‘Verbally agreed’ – Fabrizio Romano announces morning contract news that catches Liverpool in its radius..

Liverpool fans were hit with disappointing transfer news after Fabrizio Romano’s latest update confirmed that one of their potential midfield targets, Tijjani Reijnders, is set to commit his long-term future to AC Milan. The Dutchman, who had reportedly been on Liverpool’s radar, is expected to sign a contract extension that will keep him at the Serie A club until 2023.

Reports from Italy had previously suggested that Liverpool might be open to a swap deal involving Federico Chiesa, who would move in the opposite direction, paving the way for Reijnders’ arrival at Anfield. However, the prospect of such a deal appears to have evaporated, with Chiesa seemingly content with his role at Juventus and Liverpool reluctant to part ways with the Italian winger.

Reijnders’ contract renewal is a significant blow to Liverpool’s midfield plans, especially considering their need for reinforcements in that area of the pitch. The Dutchman has been a standout performer for AC Milan, earning praise for his versatility and technical prowess. With his new deal set to be formalized, any future attempt to sign him would likely require an exorbitant transfer fee.

Liverpool’s midfield overhaul under Arne Slot has been a topic of intense speculation, and missing out on a player of Reijnders’ caliber will only heighten the urgency to explore other options. The club had already undergone a midfield reshuffle last summer, but with ongoing concerns about squad depth, further additions remain a priority.

Adding to Liverpool’s contract concerns is the looming uncertainty over the futures of some of their biggest stars. The club has yet to secure contract extensions for Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, all of whom are set to become free agents at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

Salah, in particular, has been the subject of intense transfer speculation, with Saudi clubs reportedly preparing another attempt to lure him away from Anfield. The Egyptian forward remains a pivotal figure for Liverpool, and losing him on a free transfer would be a significant financial and sporting setback.

Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold are equally crucial to Liverpool’s ambitions. The Dutch defender remains the backbone of the team’s defense, while Alexander-Arnold’s playmaking ability from the right-back position is unrivaled. Ensuring their long-term commitment should be a top priority for Liverpool’s management.

There have been encouraging signs regarding Van Dijk’s future, with reports suggesting that his representatives recently met with Liverpool’s new sporting director, Richard Hughes. However, no official agreement has been reached, and negotiations are expected to continue in the coming months.

The uncertainty surrounding these key players comes at a time when Liverpool is competing on multiple fronts. With aspirations of winning a 20th English league title and potentially adding more silverware, unresolved contract situations could become a distraction.

Liverpool fans will be hoping for some positive contract news in the coming weeks, as securing the futures of Salah, Van Dijk, and Alexander-Arnold would be as significant as any high-profile signing. The club cannot afford to lose its core players, especially when their departure could weaken the team’s competitiveness at a crucial juncture.

As the summer transfer window approaches, Liverpool must not only identify potential reinforcements but also focus on retaining their top talent. The decisions made in the next few months could shape the club’s future, and fans will be eagerly awaiting further updates on both incoming and outgoing business.