Graeme Souness has stated he “would not be surprised” if both Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool next summer.
Following the transition from Jürgen Klopp to Arne Slot, Liverpool has enjoyed a strong start to the season, earning 18 points from their opening seven matches to sit atop the Premier League table. Souness praised Slot, who joined from Dutch side Feyenoord over the summer, giving him a “10 out of 10” rating as they approach a challenging stretch of fixtures that includes games against Manchester City, Arsenal, and Chelsea.
While Liverpool is thriving on the pitch, Souness expressed concern about off-field matters, particularly with three superstar players nearing the end of their contracts. Salah, Alexander-Arnold, and Virgil van Dijk are all in the final year of their deals at Anfield, meaning they can negotiate with other clubs starting January 1.
Souness anticipates that Van Dijk will extend his contract with the club but “would not be surprised” to see Salah and Alexander-Arnold secure moves elsewhere at the end of the season. Salah has previously been linked to a move to Saudi Arabia and has hinted that this season might be his last at Liverpool, putting additional pressure on the club’s board.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has become a target for Real Madrid, who are eager to bring the England star to the Bernabéu and allow him to team up with close friend Jude Bellingham.
Souness commented on Liverpool’s upcoming challenges, stating, “One of the most fascinating football prospects just up ahead is the challenging run of fixtures that my old club Liverpool are about to face. They will take on Chelsea, Arsenal, Brighton, Aston Villa, and Manchester City in just six weeks.”
He praised Arne Slot, saying, “In Arne Slot, they have a manager who, for me, has been a 10 out of 10 in the way he builds relationships with the players and handles the press.”
However, he also expressed concern for Liverpool fans regarding the contracts of three proven players: “The concern for Liverpool’s fans is that Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mo Salah, and Virgil van Dijk are all out of contract this summer. It’s barely two months until Christmas, and in January, they can talk to other clubs.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, and Souness commented on the situation, stating, “I can assure you that Liverpool will have been in talks with their representatives and will likely know what their plans are moving forward.”
He speculated that the three players—Salah, Alexander-Arnold, and Van Dijk—probably have a clear idea of their intentions for the future. “Trent seems to have a relationship with Bellingham at Real Madrid. Would it surprise me if he ends up going there? No,” Souness said.
As for Van Dijk, Souness expressed, “Would it surprise me if Virgil stayed? No. He is the one of the three I think is most likely to remain because, at this moment, where is he going to go to get more money and a bigger football club?”
Mohamed Salah has hinted at the possibility of leaving the club, and Souness remarked, “He is an absolute Rolls Royce who looks like he is playing without even getting into fourth gear.”
When discussing Salah’s potential future, Souness said, “Would it surprise me if Salah stayed? Slightly. Because I think there would be huge appeal for him, as an Egyptian and a Muslim, in earning astronomical money for the next three or four years in Saudi Arabia, the cradle of Islam and a country that shares a maritime border with his own.”
He added that the team is about to face significant mental and physical tests. “Let’s see how they cope. Let’s see how Arne deals with a few losses and how his demeanor will change—because I guarantee it will change. All of that lies ahead of them. Yes, what a prospect.”