Michael Owen has issued a warning to Liverpool and FSG if it does not solve its ongoing contract saga, claiming the Reds need to avoid Manchester City's mistakes.
Liverpool is excelling both domestically and in Europe, but uncertainty over key player contracts is casting a shadow over an otherwise impressive campaign. Key departures at the Etihad have caused problems for City and Owen has emphasized that while Liverpool are thriving now, losing a star player without a proper replacement could prove costly.
The former Reds striker urged FSG to plan ahead and secure long-term commitments or have a clear strategy in place should Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, or Trent Alexander-Arnold depart
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“That’s the next test, isn’t it? What happens if they leave, one or two of them leave" said Owen after Liverpool's 2-0 win against Newcastle. "There is no replacement for Mo Salah, there is no replacement for Virgil van Dijk. I think they could get by without Trent Alexander-Arnold. That’s going to be the next test.
“You’ve seen what’s happened to Manchester City. A bit of an ageing team, with one or two big players missing and all of sudden it can fall down like a deck of cards.
"Liverpool will be looking at that and thinking 'That can’t happen to us. What’s the age of our group here? How are we going to replace the great players?'”
Many believe that out of the three, it will be Alexander-Arnold who is most likely to leave Liverpool. The right-back has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, who has actively been pursuing the 26-year-old. A sentiment which has been echoed by Owen.
“My opinion on the three is that Trent Alexander-Arnold is going to leave, Virgil van Dijk is going to stay and Mo Salah is a toss of a coin. If they can get two of three to stay, it will be a right result,” said the 45-year-old.
Liverpool.com says: Liverpool’s success this season has been remarkable, but the uncertainty surrounding the futures of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold remains a major concern. These players have been instrumental in the club’s achievements, and allowing their contracts to run down risks unsettling the squad. Michael Owen’s warning is valid—Liverpool must learn from clubs like Manchester City, who have struggled at times after key departures. FSG must act decisively, either securing new deals or preparing strong replacements.
