2024/25 has the potential to be nothing short of magical for Liverpool, however the highs of a trophy-laden campaign may fade somewhat in the summer.
Mohamed SalahVirgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold both have contract situations that need resolution. While optimistic supporters will be hoping the triumvirate commit their futures to Anfield, there is a very real possibility that Arne Slot will go into 2025/26 without at least one talismanic figure.
Most likely to leave is Alexander-Arnold.
A revolutionary full-back who has won plenty with his boyhood club, Liverpool supporters surely cannot think of their homegrown superstar succumbing to the lure of Real Madrid. What would you do if you had Jude Bellingham whispering sweet nothings in your ear?
Replacing such a unique footballer is an impossible task, but it's one that could land on Michael Edwards' doorstep once Trent's future becomes clear.
Here are five potential replacements for Alexander-Arnold Liverpool to take into consideration.
Geertruida was Slot's captain at Feyenoord and there were faint reports in the summer that the new Liverpool manager was 'determined' to bring the Dutch defender with him to Anfield.
However, a move never materialized and Geertruida signed for RB Leipzig.
The 24-year-old has shown his impressive versatility in Saxony, with Marco Rose deploying him in Leipzig's back four. For Slot, Geertruida generally performed a conservative right-back role, but the manager would also encourage him to operate inside the pitch where he has proven to be comfortable.
The addition of Geertruida would force Slote into a significant dynamic change given the player's contrasting profile to Alexander-Arnold, but the Liverpool boss may be keen to be reunited with a reliable familiar face.
Kimmich has generally been subdued over the past two years, but it could be argued that his best recent form came when Thomas Tuchel moved him back to right-back for 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 remains a special player. His performance against RB Leipzig just before the winter break was particularly brilliant and a reminder of the threat he offers as a player from deep.
Kimmich can somewhat compensate for Trent's departure in that sense, but given that he likely has many clubs on his doorstep After his contract with Bayern Munich expires in June, would he decide to play right-back for Liverpool? He wants to play in midfield.
Slot may need to do some convincing because the German would be an excellent replacement. He is not your typical Edwards signing, but Liverpool will need leaders if they are unable to keep their three musketeers.
It's been a while since Frimpong has played in a back four, with Slot unlikely to change course for the Dutchman's sake. However, there were connection with the Bayer Leverkusen full-back even in 2024.
Frimpong starred for Xabi Alonso's history-makers last season and has remained a mainstay on the right-back this season.
The full-back is extremely dynamic and a reliable contributor in the back third, although he does his job in a markedly different way to Alexander-Arnold.
Frimpong is anything but a silky player from deep positions. His best work comes when he's on the overlap, combining with creators in the half-space and drilling balls into the box. The Dutchman can score a lot too (14 goals in all competitions last season).
His abilities would be significantly limited playing Alexander-Arnold's current role, but Slot would no doubt tinker with his system to ensure Frimpong gets plenty of opportunities in advanced positions.
Liverpool fans may scoff at the prospect of signing Porro, who has endured a difficult 2024/25 season, but the Spaniard's dip in form can largely be attributed to the sheer volume of minutes he has been asked to play over the 18 the last few months.
There are stylistic similarities between Porro and Alexander-Arnold. The pair are exceptional technicians capable of unlocking defenses through their supreme passing ranges, and there have certainly been questions over their defensive abilities. Porro, however, has perhaps been harshly rated in this regard, while Trent has largely defended well in 2024/25 – despite a desperate display against Manchester United.
of Porro Premier League experience counts for a lot and if Liverpool are looking to replace the standout right-back with someone of a similar profile, the Spain international could be their man.
Some Liverpool supporters would argue that there is no need for the club to spend too much, given the level Bradley has reached to take on a senior role.
The academy graduate filled in superbly for a long spell last season and has already starred on the biggest stages for the Reds.
Bradley is a strong fullback who excels in all phases. He is a much tougher defender than Trent and is excellent in the final third. Bradley is more of a rusher and combiner than a passer, but still has proven himself within the current Slot frame.
The 21-year-old looks ready to fill any potential void and Liverpool's search for a right-back in the summer could focus on providing support for Bradley.