Credit: Imago

Carla Devine

Sun 23 March 2025 20:00, UK

Liverpool have found themselves in a sticky position looking ahead to the conclusion of the Premier League season with a number of high-profile players out of contract.

Arne Slot has had a terrific first season with the Reds and his side look well on track to win the Premier League title.

However, being knocked out of the Champions League and the Carabao Cup has served as a reminder that there is still plenty of work to do at Anfield, which could be harder without some key players.

Crouch makes Liverpool admission

Although the week leading into the international break was a disappointing one for the Reds, sitting 12 points clear at the top of the Premier League table shows just how good their season has been.

Slot’s men have lost just one Premier League game throughout the campaign and although there have been questions over whether their title win will be down to Liverpool’s own quality or Arsenal’s misfortunes, having hands on a trophy is nothing to be played down.

There is pressure on the Dutchman to deliver next term though and prove that his side’s season is not a fluke and if he is to do so with ease he will need his strongest players available.

However, Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk are all out of contract at the end of the season with no idea about what the future holds.

There has been debate over who the most important player is for Liverpool to keep hold of and Crouch made his view fairly clear when he was asked if Salah is irreplaceable for Liverpool on Football on TNT Sports as he said: “Yeah, I think so. You can’t replace that amount of goals whoever you buy.

“It’s a ridiculous season he’s had. Erling Haaland, I think when he did it recently I was like that will never be beaten and the fact he’s just come in and done it under a new manager is.

“I think he’s just efficient in everything he does and I think defensively he does his work but he conserves energy for the right moments and he’s a finisher and he’s a killer and he’s gone up a level this year.”

Liverpool have to tie down Salah

Liverpool have certainly had other things to focus on so far this season as they have been battling for top spot in the league but now that looks secure, attention has to turn to contract talks.

Van Dijk has been open about his frustration when it comes to a lack of affirmation about what his future holds and the Reds can’t afford for other players to get the same feelings.

Salah may be 32-years-old now but, as Crouch points out, he is in the best form of his life and Liverpool must see it as a risk worth taking to sign him on a contract longer than just another year.

Arsenal may well be harder competitors next term and others may also step up their game so Liverpool have to ensure they improve their side rather than lose their key players.

Salah has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia but given his form in the top-flight, he would surely take the opportunity to extend that and stay at the top level for as long as he can.