Trent Alexander-Arnold turns 26 on October 7 and is in the prime of his career, meaning Liverpool will take no risks in agreeing a long-term deal for the England defender.
However, Liverpool are in a dilemma with Alexander-Arnold. If they renew the 25-year-old, Van Dijk and Salah will of course expect a similar deal. Conversely, if Liverpool resolve Alexander-Arnold's future late, the defender will have the right to demand higher treatment.
The long-standing speculation about Real Madrid’s interest in Alexander-Arnold has not died down. In fact, the England international’s reluctance to dismiss the rumours was a useful negotiating tactic. However, Liverpool fans will remember Steve McManaman and Michael Owen – both of whom were willing to wait out their contracts to move to Real – as a valuable lesson.
McManaman moved to the Bernabeu as a free agent in 1999. Five years later, Owen completed a move to Los Blancos for £8m as Liverpool learned their lesson.
Coach Arne Slot commented that Alexander-Arnold is a "good defender" but needs to improve his concentration. This proves that The Kop can consider a future without the English defender. If so, the Anfield team will earn a significant amount of money.
When asked about his future after the 3-0 win over Bournemouth, it appeared Alexander-Arnold was keeping all his options open.
"I want to be a Liverpool player this season is what I will say. I have been at the club for 20 years now and signed four or five contract extensions. None of those were made public, and this one is no different.
"The most important thing is always the trophies, if I'm honest. I want to win trophies, win and be an elite player. So that's probably the main factor when deciding my future in anything," said the 25-year-old.
The big problem for Liverpool over the futures of Salah, Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold is that time is running out on their side, and they could actually see all three of those players walk through the Anfield door as free agents next summer.
The longer it drags on, the more tired everyone gets, but the players will have the choice. They will either get new contracts or make money as free agents next year.
In short, Liverpool's brighter prospects in the coming months are hard to imagine.
