Paul Scholes noticed interesting signs from Salah and Van Dijk that could help resolve their contract situation.

Liverpool’s leadership faces a tough dilemma regarding contract extensions for three key players whose deals are set to expire.

The club is on the verge of bidding farewell to three icons of Jurgen Klopp’s Premier League and Champions League-winning era.

However, Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah, in particular, have thrived under new manager Arne Slot, with Liverpool firmly in the title race. Yet, as sports lawyer Daniel Geey pointed out, renewing all three contracts could disrupt the club’s wage structure.

Can Liverpool afford to offer new deals?

Paul Scholes believes Liverpool could be in for a crucial transfer window if they fail to extend the contracts of Salah and Van Dijk before the summer.

“If they don’t renew them, it’s going to be a massive window, isn’t it?” Scholes said on The Overlap’s Fan Debate show.

“You were talking before about the money needed to replace them – well, what are you looking at? Probably around £200m to replace those two.”

Hope for extensions?

There is still optimism that Liverpool could secure new deals for their two biggest stars, given how well they are maintaining their physical condition.

Centre-backs typically have greater longevity in their careers, and Salah, like Cristiano Ronaldo, appears capable of performing at the highest level for years to come.

Pundits have taken notice of their fitness levels, with Scholes reflecting on how the perception of age in football has changed.

“In our time, 35 was the cut-off – you were done,” Scholes added.

“But now, players are going into their late 30s and even 40s.

“It’s one thing to analyze data, but you also need to see it with your own eyes. Slot and his staff will be watching them train every day.

“You just look at their bodies, look at them. What are they, 32 and 33? To me, two more years wouldn’t be an issue.”