What if the unthinkable happens? What if Liverpool, fresh off a historic quadruple and with a new era dawning under Arne Slot, lets three of their most valuable assets walk away for nothing? It seems preposterous on the surface - after all, how could the club sleepwalk into such an enormous mistake?  Yet that's exactly the scenario Ally McCoist is warning about. With Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk all entering the final year of their deals, there are serious questions over whether Liverpool will be able to keep hold of these cornerstone talents. It's a contract crisis in the making.

Let's break this down:  Salah, who has been in scintillating form to start the season despite turning 31, is yet to hear any word from the club about an extension. Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool's creative heartbeat at right-back, is also in the final year of his deal with no new terms signed.  Van Dijk, who has been a rock at the back since his arrival from Southampton, could soon become the latest big name to leave Anfield on a free transfer.

So what happens if all three do depart? It's not just about the money - although McCoist points out the club would be kissing goodbye to over $250M in player value. More importantly, it would rip the heart out of Liverpool's team and identity.  Can you imagine a future without Salah's goals, Alexander-Arnold's assists from deep, or Van Dijk's commanding presence at the back? It's a terrifying thought for any Reds supporter.

And yet, there are still no answers coming from the club. The silence is deafening. Are Liverpool playing hardball with these superstars and waiting until next summer to offer them new deals, knowing full well they could leave on frees anyway? Or has the relationship broken down so badly that even an extension isn't possible? We don't know. But what we do know is this: If Liverpool allow their most important players to walk away for nothing, it will be one of the worst business decisions in Premier League history. The club can't afford to let this contract crisis turn into a full-blown disaster. So here's the deal: Either get these deals done ASAP and tie down Salah, Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk to new long-term contracts or brace for the unthinkable fallout if they do leave on frees. The clock is ticking, Liverpool - you've got some serious work to do serious work to do.

VIRGIL VAN DIJK

Liverpool's Contract Crisis: A $250M Question

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