Jurgen Klopp’s pending exit could create a domino effect with some senior players.
A burning beacon of an era at Anfield is coming to an end this year as Jurgen Klopp sees out his final months as Liverpool manager. In January, the much-loved German announced he will be stepping down from the role he has held for almost nine years, revealing it is time to pass the torch as he is ‘running out of energy’ to do the job.
Klopp admitted that if he was to be asked right now about returning to management in the future, he would ‘say no’ but he doesn’t know for sure. This leaves the door ajar for a potential return after a well-earned break but the boss has stressed he will never manage another English club after Liverpool.
While the Klopp era will go down in Anfield history and be talked about for generations to come, the manager who dares take on the challenge of replacing him has huge shoes to fill. The fans know that, potential candidates know that, and even Klopp knows that. Not only will this next boss be expected to continue the club’s success in recent years, they will have a huge job of tying down some of Liverpool’s most important players.
With Klopp drawing the curtain on his era with the Reds, this could spark a domino effect within the squad. Senior players who have served long stints at the club may see this as a sign to pursue a new career, and close their current chapter. The main name being discussed is naturally Mohamed Salah, who continues to be headhunted by determined clubs in Saudi Arabia.
The Egyptian’s contract expires next summer, meaning if Liverpool cannot agree new terms with their star winger, they will be forced to sell him at the end of the season or risk losing him for free. Unfortunately, Salah isn’t the only man in this position either.
Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold are both also out of contract in 2025 and rival clubs will certainly be aware of this. As teams looks to strengthen their own ranks this summer, Liverpool’s captain and vice-captain are certainly attractive targets for anyone looking to bring in world-class defenders.
Alexander-Arnold’s ability to also be fully integrated into midfield makes him an especially high target for top clubs. Unsurprisingly, he’s commanded some attention as we approach the transfer window.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid are ‘monitoring’ Alexander-Arnold’s current contract situation, as ‘no talks’ are currently underway between the right-back and the club. However, Liverpool ‘have not indicated any desire’ to cash in on their homegrown talent.
Neil Jones reported back in September that he expected Alexander-Arnold to pen a new deal before the end of the year. That, of course, has not come to fruition and as the months tick by, it is getting more anxiety-inducing as the thought of losing such a key player crosses fans’ minds.
Every player’s time at a club comes to an end sooner or later, whether that’s through retirement or a transfer away. But Alexander-Arnold is one man who Reds supporters have been adamant will see out his career at his beloved Anfield. Back in 2017, the rising star stated his dream was to one day become the captain of Liverpool and admitted he ‘will not be satisfied’ until he achieves that dream.
As second in command, Alexander-Arnold is well on his way to achieving that, and you would think — and hope — that his dream hasn’t changed. After winning the Premier League and Champions League you’d think — and hope — that if anything, the dream is even stronger as it’s within touching distance.
Van Dijk is approaching 33 this year and before long, he will be leaving Anfield one way or another. Surely the next chapter in Alexander-Arnold’s career is to take over the armband full-time.
When the new manager arrives, tensions will be high enough as it is. Even if Liverpool bring fan favourite Xabi Alonso back to Merseyside, there will still be a sense of uncertainty surrounding the club’s immediate future.
What Liverpool cannot afford to do is add fuel to the fires. The club must prioritise tying down key players like Alexander-Arnold and van Dijk to avoid fans feeling like the glue (Klopp) has well and truly disappeared from the team.
Trent is currently valued at €70 million (£60m) by Transfermarkt and in this day and age, Liverpool could demand a nine-figure fee for the sale of their right-back. But keeping this team in tact and protecting the mentality nurtured by Klopp after he has bid farewell is much more important than a big payday.
Once the new manager has arrived, Liverpool must make it their top priority to keep things as steady and possible as the Reds head into this new, exciting yet uncertain future.
