Dream? Realistic? Wildcard? Who could replace Liverpool’s out-of-contract stars? | OneFootball

Liverpool face an anxious end to the season on the contract front with Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold all nearing the end of their deals.

Arguably the club’s three most influential talents are heading towards free agency with no updates on potential extensions. It’s a staggering situation for the Reds, who run the risk of losing three world-class talents for nothing. Should all leave, Arne Slot faces an almighty task to replace some of Liverpool’s greatest talents of the modern era.

We’ve profiled each position and selected options who could be in the frame.

Dream? Realistic? Wildcard? Who could replace Liverpool’s out-of-contract stars?

Virgil van Dijk

Virgil van Dijk will turn 34 in the summer but there’s an argument the Dutch defender remains the world’s best. A domineering aerial presence and Liverpool’s leader, the club captain has helped Arne Slot’s side to the best defensive record in the Premier League this season. In 2023/24, he led the Premier League for aerials won and percentage of aerials won.

Dream: Alessandro Bastoni – Inter Milan

Though a different profile of player, there are few more talented left-sided centre-backs in Europe than Inter’s Bastoni. The 25-year-old is known for his ability to stride forward confidently, ranking in the top five percent of centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries, attempted passes, progressive passes and shot-creating actions per 90. With a 6ft 3in frame, his aerial duel success rate is solid if not elite (63.6%). For context, Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate (78%) leads the Premier League this season. Given Konate’s physical power, Bastoni could be a fine complement.

Realistic: Jonathan Tah – Bayer Leverkusen

Almost all of Europe’s elite are eyeing a move for Jonathan Tah, who is out of contract in the summer and keen to leave Bayer Leverkusen. An instrumental part of Leverkusen’s unbeaten German double last season, he boasts several similarities to Van Dijk.

Outstanding in the air, he ranks second in the Bundesliga for percentage of aerial duels won (73.1%) this season and in the top 1% of centre-backs for pass completion (94.1%). Though he will turn 29 next month, Tah is available for free and boasts leadership qualities. He could be a sensible signing as younger options develop.

Wildcard: Dean Huijsen – Bournemouth

Dean Huijsen has emerged as one of the signings of the Premier League season at Bournemouth. The 19-year-old arrived from Juventus in the summer in a £12m deal and has excelled in Andoni Iraola’s exciting side. Since being paired with Illya Zabarnyi, the Cherries are unbeaten in 11 games and pushing for the top four. Huijsen oozes cool in possession, is comfortable off either foot and is only going to get better.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Trent Alexander-Arnold is arguably the most unique full-back in world football. Replacing the 26-year-old like-for-like is unlikely, but there are plenty of options around. Given the right-back is the highest-assisting defender in Premier League history, production and creativity are essential.

Dream: Jeremie Frimpong – Bayer Leverkusen

Jeremie Frimpong is one of the few full-backs in Europe who can hold a candle to Trent Alexander-Arnold when it comes to end product. Though the Leverkusen defender is more flyer than creator, he’s been a thorn in the side of opposition teams in recent campaigns.

Frimpong has 68 goals and assists in 171 appearances for the German side, including 16 goal involvements during the club’s title-winning campaign last season. Reservations include the greater freedom of a wing-back role he enjoys in Leverkusen, but was Alexander-Arnold ever overly tasked with defending?

Realistic: Vanderson – Monaco

Vanderson’s name continues to be touted with a move to one of Europe’s elite. The Brazilian has won admirers at Monaco for his tenacious defensive work, dribbling, and desire to press high. He ranks in the top three percent of full-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for tackles and interceptions per game, while an average of 2.35 shot-creating actions per 90 is impressive if not yet elite. Still just 23 and able to cover left-back when required, he could be the ideal option to compete with Conor Bradley.

Wildcard: Jules Kounde – Barcelona

Signing an automatic starter from Barcelona’s first team would deviate from Liverpool’s usual route to recruitment, but the Catalan club’s economic issues raise the possibility. Kounde’s attributes appear well-suited to the demands of the Premier League, while comfortability at right-back and centre-back adds to his appeal.

Mohamed Salah

How do you replace the irreplaceable? Mohamed Salah has a genuine argument as the world’s finest footballer this season, having already produced 40 goal involvements in all competitions. He leads the Premier League for goals and assists, a level of output that is uncommon in wide players. Could a central striker be a more logical replacement?

Dream: Alexander Isak – Newcastle

A Premier League-proven talent on the verge of world-class status, there’s good reason clubs are queuing up for Alexander Isak. After becoming the first Newcastle player since Alan Shearer to score 20+ league goals in a top-flight campaign last season, Isak has been even better this time around. The fluidity of his movement and ice-cool composure are a joy to watch. Newcastle don’t want to sell, however, and will likely demand a British transfer record fee.

Realistic: Benjamin Sesko – RB Leipzig

Benjamin Sesko is the profile of player Liverpool have sought in recent years, an up-and-coming talent ready for the big stage. The 21-year-old has shone since swapping Red Bull Salzburg for Leipzig, where he has scored 22 goals in just 34 league starts.

He’s quick across the ground and boasts a thunderous shot off either foot, while his athleticism allows a 6ft 5in frame to spring above defenders. Darwin Nunez’s inconsistency and Diogo Jota’s injury record means a centre-forward could be the solution to Salah’s exit. There are few better than Sesko in his age bracket.

Wildcard: Dejan Kulusevski – Tottenham

Tottenham’s season of struggle looks likely to end without European football, so could opportunity await for rival clubs? Dejan Kulusevski has been a shining light in an otherwise forgettable campaign with the Swede ranked fourth in Europe’s top five leagues for chances created. Comfortable centrally or coming inside from the right flank, the 24-year-old is a powerful runner and dainty dribbler. He would inject another boost into a Liverpool side that has outran and overpowered teams aplenty this season.

Read – A brilliant XI of the Premier League’s best ever January signings

See more – Five Premier League teams who NEED to make a signing before the deadline

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