The 2024/25 season has the potential to be a magical one for Liverpool, but the highs of the trophy-laden season could dissipate somewhat in the summer.
Mohamed SalahVirgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold all have contractual issues that need to be resolved. While optimistic fans will hope the trio commit their future to Anfield, there is a very real possibility of that Arne Slot will head into the 2025/26 season without at least one talisman.
The most likely to leave is Alexander-Arnold.
A revolutionary full-back who won so much with his boyhood club, Liverpool supporters certainly cannot envy their home-grown star who succumbs to the temptation real madrid. What would you do if Jude Bellingham were whispering sweet words in your ear?
Replacing a one-of-a-kind footballer is an impossible task, but one that could fall on Michael Edwards' doorstep once Trent's future becomes clear.
Here are five potential replacements for Alexander-Arnold Liverpool For consideration.
Gertruida was Slot's captain at Feyenoord, and there were faint reports in the summer that Liverpool's new boss was willing to bring the Dutch full-back with him to Anfield.
However, the move never materialized, and Gertruida instead signed for RB Leipzig.
The 24-year-old showed his impressive versatility in Saxony, with Marco Rose deploying him in Leipzig's backline. For Slot, Geertruida has generally performed the role of a conservative right-back, but the manager will also encourage him to play outfield where he has certainly proven to be comfortable.
The addition of Gertruida would force Slott to make a major dynamic shift given his player profile contrast with Alexander-Arnold, but the Liverpool manager could be keen to reunite him with a familiar, reliable face.
Kimmich's form has been generally disappointing over the past couple of years, but arguably his best recent form came when Thomas Tuchel brought him back to right-back in the second half of 2023/24.
Vincent Kompany has allowed Kimmich to play in midfield, and the German has shown on several occasions this season that he is still an outstanding footballer. His performance against RB Leipzig before the winter break was particularly impressive and a reminder of the threat he provides as a playmaker from deep.
Kimmich could somewhat compensate for Trent's departure in that sense, but given that he probably won't Multiple clubs on his doorstep Once his contract with Bayern Munich expires in June, will he opt to play at right-back for Liverpool? He wants to play in midfield.
Slott may need to do some convincing as the German would be a great alternative. It's not your typical Edwards signing, but Liverpool will need leaders if they can't keep their Three Musketeers.
It has been a long time since Frimpong played at the back, and Slott is unlikely to change his style for the Dutchman. However, it was there Links to Bayer Leverkusen wing-backs Well in 2024.
Frimpong excelled for Xabi Alonso's history-makers last season and has remained a mainstay on the right flank this season.
The full-back is remarkably dynamic and reliable in the final third, although he does his job in a noticeably different way to Alexander-Arnold.
Frimpong is nothing but a silky playmaker from deep positions. His best work comes when he overlaps with creators in the half-space and drills balls across the penalty area. The Dutchman can score a lot too (14 goals in all competitions last season).
His skill set will be greatly limited by playing the current Alexander-Arnold role, but Slott will no doubt tweak his system to ensure Frimpong gets plenty of opportunities in advanced positions.
Liverpool fans may scoff at the prospect of signing Boro, who has endured a difficult 2024/25 campaign, but the Spaniard's decline in form can largely be attributed to the sheer volume of minutes he has been asked to play over the past 18 months.
There are stylistic similarities between Burrow and Alexander Arnold. The duo are outstanding technicians capable of opening up defenses with superior passing ranges, and there have, of course, been questions about their defensive abilities. However, Boro have perhaps been judged harshly in this regard, while Trent has defended largely well in 2024/25 – despite a poor performance against Manchester United.
Buro Premier League Experience is very important, and if Liverpool are determined to replace their outstanding right-back with someone of similar caliber, the Spain international could be their man.
Some Liverpool supporters may argue that there is no need for the club to spend big money given the level Bradley has reached in the top job.
The academy graduate worked admirably for a long period last season and has already starred on the biggest stages for the Reds.
Bradley is a complete full-back who excels in all stages. He is a tougher defender than Trent and is excellent when venturing into the final third. Bradley is more of a runner and collector than a passer, but he has nonetheless proven himself within Slot's current framework.
The 21-year-old looks ready to fill any potential void, and Liverpool's search for a right-back in the summer may instead focus on providing support for Bradley.
