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Liverpool appears unable to find respite from contract negotiations, with the organization determined to prevent a repeat of last season's chaotic situation at Anfield.
The Merseyside club entered the latter portion of 2024–25 with uncertainty surrounding three crucial players. While Virgil van Dijk remained relatively quiet, Mohamed Salah chose the opposite strategy, deciding to publicly pressure the organization. When Trent Alexander-Arnold indicated his desire to depart following Real Madrid's interest, it became essential for sporting director Richard Hughes to secure both remaining stars.
The drama, which didn't derail a championship-winning season, concluded with a mostly favorable outcome, as two veteran legends stayed at Anfield. Nevertheless, the organization will eventually need to plan for life beyond Van Dijk and Salah, and Hughes must guarantee that potential pillars of the next great Liverpool team are dedicated to the project for years to come.
They acted decisively with Ryan Gravenberch, who has committed to a substantial six-year agreement, but he's certainly not the sole player Liverpool will seek to retain in 2026.
Below are five additional contract scenarios the Reds must tackle, ordered by significance.
5. Curtis Jones
The academy product Curtis Jones has perhaps been underutilized by Arne Slot this campaign, with the English player's possession retention during build-up play and ability to split defenses with precise forward passes being qualities Liverpool have desperately lacked in midfield occasionally.
Jones can hold onto the ball too long and is definitely less impactful when deployed in advanced positions, but his adaptability is appreciated by the coach, who has sometimes been compelled to use the midfielder at right-back.
With 18 months left on his deal, Inter and Tottenham Hotspur showed interest in January, and Liverpool, for a period, appeared willing to sell. While no transfer materialized in winter, Inter are anticipated to renew that pursuit in summer, and Spurs could certainly benefit from a player of Jones's caliber if they escape relegation to the Championship.
Liverpool have some breathing room to determine the midfielder's destiny, but it wouldn't be shocking if they're enticed by an offer for their youth product's services.
4. Alisson
With Van Dijk and Salah signing two-year extensions in 2025, Liverpool now face the possibility of losing three superstars simultaneously in 2027.
At 33, goalkeeper Alisson still possesses several productive years ahead, with numerous shot-stoppers achieving remarkable success as they approach 40. However, whether the Brazilian can maintain such elite performance levels remains uncertain, with his injury record working against him.
Nevertheless, Alisson continues to rank among the world's premier goalkeepers and likely deserves another significant contract. Liverpool's succession strategy, Giorgi Mamardashvili, has yet to prove himself, though with limited opportunities to assess, so the Reds might need to reassess their approach regarding the Brazilian.
Another contract renewal could be forthcoming.
3. Alexis Mac Allister
Sir Alex Ferguson excelled at preventing his Manchester United squad from becoming stagnant, taking action at crucial moments to revitalize a Red Devils team that anticipated winning the league championship annually.
Liverpool's favored midfield combination hasn't altered since last season, and the club might actually consider this summer as the ideal opportunity to sell Alexis Mac Allister.
The Argentine has typically been exceptional for the Reds, but he's underwhelmed this year, and considering his current agreement expires in 2028, Liverpool can still command top value presently. Real Madrid, who still haven't replaced Toni Kroos or Luka Modrić, have only been loosely connected.
The midfielder's father recently acknowledged that there's been no progress on the new contract situation, and Mac Allister, who, according to Capology, receives $201,000 (£150,000) weekly, will observe Gravenberch's lucrative new deal and possibly believe he deserves something comparable.
Liverpool face a significant decision regarding the 27-year-old's future.
2. Dominik Szoboszlai
No Liverpool fan would dispute that Dominik Szoboszlai has been their exceptional performer in a frustrating Premier League title defense.
The Hungarian began the season with questions about his significance to Slot's team following the acquisition of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, but the German's adaptation struggles made Szoboszlai an essential figure.
He's been deployed in various positions by Slot, with tireless work rate and set-piece prowess helping elevate a Liverpool squad that's frequently seemed lacking in attacking creativity this season.
Szoboszlai is reportedly content on Merseyside and remains under contract until 2028. He could demand substantial terms from the Reds, who must be eager to secure the midfielder's commitment into the 2030s.
1. Ibrahima Konaté
Securing a new agreement for Szoboszlai might be Liverpool's focus, given his performance level this season, but Ibrahima Konaté's circumstances are far more critical and pressing.
The Frenchman's contract expires this summer, and while there have been moments in recent months when supporters appeared ready to move forward, the center-back has persistently demonstrated reminders of his dominance at peak form.
Losing a defender like Konaté for free would be a devastating setback for the Reds, particularly considering Van Dijk's uncertain future and the shortage of viable alternatives at the position. Liverpool might need a comprehensive reconstruction at the core of their defense, with Rennes prospect Jérémy Jacquet joining in summer to potentially offset his countryman's exit.
The Reds are working to persuade the defender, who appears comfortable with departing. It might require a substantial financial proposal to convince Konaté to remain.