The glaring transfer window dilemma Liverpool must make a priority - before it's too late

Liverpool are starting to shift through the gears this transfer window as they push to finalise certain deals before business closes until the new year. The Reds have been weighing up the right targets to bring in for Arne Slot’s first season but they are still yet to get a signing over the line.

Equally, no cash sales have taken place yet either. Joël Matip, Thiago and Adrián all left as free agents and there could be some loan exits on the cards as well, but no major departures that fans hadn’t already been preparing for.

This is a topic that has been discussed in depth, though. Liverpool have attracted a lot of attention over the past year, with a significant amount coming from Saudi Arabia clubs. Mohamed Salah was heavily tipped to leave, Trent Alexander-Arnold found himself at the top of Real Madrid’s list, and Luis Díaz has been linked with a Barcelona switch. However, talks have quietened down as the start of the season looms, but the conversation still raising eyebrows is the senior players heading towards the end of their contracts.

Salah, Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk are all out of contract next summer and it’s raised some concerns among fans. Fortunately, Football Insider claimed over the weekend that Liverpool and Alexander-Arnold ‘have made progress’ over a new deal. Sporting director Richard Hughes has also offered a glimmer of encouragement, by saying the players are ‘totally committed to the cause’ for the coming season.

This, of course, doesn’t give too much away on whether contract talks are being held. Van Dijk’s recent comments have also suggested that he is no closer to agreeing any sort of extension at Anfield. Speaking after Liverpool’s pre-season win over Sevilla, the captain said ‘there are no changes at the moment’, but he did stress his trust in the club doing what is right on the transfer window.

“I’m positive. I’m confident. I think that we should make some signings based on how long the season will go. I think they’re working behind the scenes. I’m fully convinced and trust in the club that they will do the right thing for us and get the best possible squad in order to compete in every competition that we are in. I have to trust and we’ll see what happens.”

Liverpool have a lot on their plate heading into these final weeks of the window. The Reds have been monitoring midfield, forward and defensive options but keeping hold of Van Dijk is surely something they are also prioritising.

Since his arrival from Southampton, the Dutchman has transformed Liverpool’s backline and established himself as one of the most important players on the pitch. Taking over the captaincy highlighted how much influence Van Dijk has on the team and providing he is willing, Liverpool should be looking to keep him at Anfield for as long as possible.

At 33, he is entering the latter stages of his career but he still has so much to offer. The Reds skipper has been praised by countless people over the years, from his managers and teammates, to fans and neutrals, to pundits, opponents and legends of the game. Van Dijk has often been tagged with the title of ‘best centre-back in the world’ and having such an influential figure at the club as Liverpool head into this transition period will be crucial.

Not only will he serve as someone the younger stars can learn from and look up to, knowing he has committed his future — however long or short — to Liverpool will ease any potentially tricky waters. There is an excitement surrounding the Slot era but it’s still a big change after almost a decade of Jurgen Klopp.

With Liverpool keeping their cards close to their chest, it’s easy to see why some fans are growing worried of losing their most important players. Keeping hold of Van Dijk and getting him to sign a new deal will help settle any lingering concerns and show that there is indeed calm behind the scenes and the Reds will enter the new Premier League season as a strong, dedicated unit.