Keane Urges Liverpool to Resolve Contract Disputes | OneFootball

Former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane says the uncertainty surrounding the futures of three key players has left the fans in limbo.

Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all out of contract this summer, which has sparked fears they could each leave at the end of the season.

Keane believes the current state of play will be worrying Liverpool fans given how important each player has been to their Premier League title bid this term.

“The situation with Salah, Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold is obviously a concern for Liverpool – the fans are stuck in limbo at the moment,” Keane told Betway Insider.

“They are three players who are that vital to what Liverpool do, so I’m not really sure what’s going to happen.

“My worry would be that there’s only a couple of months left in the season, so that may suggest that things are happening in the background that could lead to them leaving.”

Alexander-Arnold appears to be the closest to leaving Liverpool after being strongly linked with a summer switch to Spanish giants Real Madrid.

The proposed move has angered a sizeable a portion of the club’s fanbase, with many people believing the defender has shown a lack of loyalty to Liverpool by allowing his contract to run down.

While Keane has some sympathy for that viewpoint, he says he understands why Alexander-Arnold would want to join the 15-time European champions.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (Credit: Cosmin Iftode / bigstock)

“We have seen in the past with players like Michael Owen, David Beckham and Steve McManaman that when Madrid come calling it is very difficult to turn them down,” Keane added.

“They are one of the best teams in the world at the moment and if he’s close with Jude Bellingham then that will also have an influence.

“If he goes, I think he’s been unbelievable for the football club and it’s just a shame, if he does leave on a free, that you don’t get anything for him.

“He has come through the ranks, and I think he’s given everything for the club.”

Although many Liverpool fans think losing Alexander-Arnold would a major blow, some have argued that the club will not miss him too much as they have a ready-made replacement.

The 26-year-old is undoubtedly an asset when going forward, but his defensive deficiencies have repeatedly been exposed in recent seasons.

Conor Bradley (Credit: canno73 / bigstock)

Conor Bradley has impressed when he has been called up to the first team, showing much greater awareness than Alexander-Arnold when defending.

While he is yet to show that he can be effective in attacking positions, Keane believes he has the potential to become Liverpool’s first choice right-back next season.

“I’m sure the fans will be disappointed if he (Alexander-Arnold) leaves, but I think many of them will probably understand,” Keane said.

“Bradley is a different player than Alexender-Arnold, more defensive-minded, but he can still get forward a lot and he is certainly a player that can fill that role.”