Liverpool's plans for star trio following Jurgen Klopp's exit

Liverpool will soon enter a new era without Jurgen Klopp as their manager, with the German confirming last Friday he will leave the club at the end of the season.

Klopp is set to bring down the curtain on a nine-season stay and he could yet sign off his spell with four further pieces of silverware, with the Reds still going strong on all fronts this campaign.

Liverpool are now on the lookout for a new manager, backroom staff and sporting director, but there is an understandable element of uncertainty hanging over the playing squad too, with several star players out of contract in either the summer of 2024 or 2025.

Here are the club's plans for those players.

Virgil van Dijk

To this point, club captain Virgil van Dijk - whose deal is up in 2025 - is the only Liverpool player to have publicly discussed his future since Klopp made his announcement.

After Sunday's 5-2 win against Norwich City in the FA Cup, Van Dijk was asked whether he will be part of the post-Klopp era, replying: "That's a big question. Well, I don't know.

"The club will have a big job on their hands. That is well known. To replace the manager and replace not only the manager, the staff is leaving, and there are so many things that will change.

"So the club has a big job on its hands and I am very curious which direction that will go in. But when that will be announced we will see our situation. I can't say much about it."

He added: "Obviously it will be the end of Jurgen Klopp’s era. I am very glad that I am still part of it. That is why I don't like to speak about it. I am still part of it.

"That is my main focus and we will see at the end of the season. Hopefully, we have the success that we all dream of and fight for each day and, by then, there will probably be more clarification for what the club wants for the future and then we will see."

90min understands while Liverpool are intent on signing a new centre-back in the near future, they do want to keep Van Dijk for at least another season.

Van Dijk turns 33 prior to the start of the 2024/25 season, and though his minutes could be reduced, he could still perform a role similar to 39-year-old Thiago Silva at Chelsea. The Brazilian has continued to play in big games for the Blues despite his advancing years and has been signing contracts at Stamford Bridge on a year-by-year basis.

Liverpool's current recruitment team feel like Van Dijk can be an important figure in helping a new manager bed in and offer vital experience in the dressing room to help with the transition.

Mohamed Salah

90min has previously reported on the Saudi Pro League's interest in making Mohamed Salah a marquee signing.

This remains the case and though an offer from Saudi Arabia will almost always be on the table for Salah, sources have told 90min he is currently happy in Europe.

Should Salah - who like Van Dijk is a free agent in 2025 - receive another approach this summer, it is likely to be from Al Hilal as opposed to Al Ittihad, who made last year's offer for the Egyptian. Al Ittihad wanted to bring the forward in to help with their Club World Cup campaign during the winter, and despite the additions of Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante, they have regressed this season.

Saudi deal-makers are unlikely to pit Pro League clubs against each other in any future race to sign Salah given the volume of money needed for an acceptable bid. Such a deal will be negotiated by senior ministry and figures from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.

Last summer, Saudi deal-makers were intent on maintaining a healthy relationship with Liverpool for the future and so walked away when FSG chief Mike Gordon made it clear Salah would not be sold even for £150m. That allows for a fresh approach this summer on amicable terms, but Salah will keep his options open for now. He's focused on Liverpool and staying another season can't be ruled out - the Saudi offer will still be there again in 2025.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Liverpool have no desire to let Trent Alexander-Arnold leave and the expectation is he will sign a new contract beyond 2025, 90min understands. Their intention is to try and finalise a renewal and they will not entertain a sale.

Alexander-Arnold, who has been with the club since the age of six, has taken on a new role this season, stepping into midfield from his usual right-back position or even starting in central areas. The more interesting aspect of his future is what position he will play under Liverpool's new manager.

Likely exits

Thiago Alcantara is out of contract at the end of the current season and is the subject of interest from Saudi Arabia. Al Ettifaq, who are managed by Steven Gerrard and recently terminated the contract of Jordan Henderson, are among the clubs who are hoping to reach a pre-contract agreement with the Spaniard, while Al Ahli are another club to watch. Several MLS clubs also have Thiago on their radar, including Atlanta United.

Similarly, Joel Matip's deal is up this summer and is a target for clubs in Saudi Arabia, though he also has admirers in Italy and Turkey. Joe Gomez, who has been rejuvenated in an inverted left-back role this season, is also not short of suitors, but will be a harder player to buy from Liverpool.

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