Liverpool are now living through one of the most uncertain periods in recent history because contracts are beginning to run down and the future of some of their biggest names is hanging in the balance. Only a few months ago the club lost one of their own in Trent Alexander-Arnold after a long saga that ended with him joining Real Madrid, a deal that shook the whole fanbase because Trent was more than just a right-back, he was Liverpool blood, born and raised in the city, a leader in the dressing room and the creative heart of the team. That transfer left scars and it also opened the eyes of supporters to the fact that nothing is guaranteed in modern football. Even the players who once swore loyalty can walk away if the contract talks collapse. Now the same fear is rising again, this time around Ibrahima Konate, a man who is only 26 years old but already considered a pillar of the defence. His contract expires in 2026, just one year from now, and the giants of Europe, including Real Madrid again, are circling. If Liverpool do not tie him down, history might repeat itself.
The Reds board, led by Richard Hughes and manager Arne Slot, have been working hard to secure stability. They managed to convince Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk to extend their deals last season, giving both a fresh two-year agreement that keeps them at Anfield until 2027. It was a huge relief, especially because Salah is still scoring goals like a machine and Van Dijk, even at 33, remains the captain and the voice every player listens to. Yet despite those renewals the storm clouds have not fully cleared. The focus now has shifted to those whose contracts run down in 2026 and 2027, and the list includes heroes, legends, and academy products who have given their lives to the badge.
Konate’s case is the most pressing. Signed from RB Leipzig in 2021 for £34 million, he has already played 136 games for Liverpool and lifted four major trophies including the Premier League title last season. When he is fit he is dominant, powerful, and fearless, the kind of defender every manager dreams of. But Liverpool know the danger because Madrid are hunting him as the long-term partner for Éder Militão. Paris Saint-Germain are also in the background, offering him a chance to return to France. The problem is that contract talks have not made progress and Liverpool fear that if they do not sell him in 2026, he could walk away for free. The Anfield crowd already saw one defensive leader, Gini Wijnaldum, leave for nothing in 2021 and they do not want a repeat.
Then there is Andrew Robertson, the Scottish warrior who has been flying up and down the left flank since 2017. He cost only £7.6 million from Hull City, a bargain that turned into one of the greatest transfers in Premier League history. Robertson has played more than 340 times for Liverpool, winning every major trophy available. But time does not stop even for legends. Now 31, with injuries slowing him down, he finds himself under pressure from new signing Milos Kerkez. The whispers are growing that this could be his last season as a starter. If Liverpool receive an offer, they might let him go before his contract ends in 2026. Yet part of the fanbase still hopes he will stay at least as a backup because his leadership and passion cannot be bought on the market.
Further down the list is Rhys Williams, the academy graduate who became an unlikely hero in 2020-21 when Liverpool were crippled by injuries. Alongside Nat Phillips he stepped up and helped the team qualify for the Champions League. But his career stalled afterwards, with loans to lower-league clubs and little chance to break back into the first team. Now at 24 he still has one year left on his deal but no guarantees of a future at Anfield. Unless something dramatic changes he may quietly exit the club in 2026, a reminder that not every fairy-tale story at Liverpool has a happy ending.
Looking further to 2027, the names are even bigger. Alisson Becker, the Brazilian goalkeeper who has been the wall behind Liverpool’s success since 2018, will be out of contract then. He has already played more than 300 games, kept over 120 clean sheets, and won every major trophy including the Champions League and Premier League. But Liverpool recently signed Giorgi Mamardashvili, the Georgian shot-stopper, and there is a sense that Alisson’s time as the undisputed number one is entering its final chapter. He has two years left, and while he insists he is happy, nobody can ignore the possibility that he might be sold before 2027.
Alongside him in the 2027 group is Virgil van Dijk. The Dutch captain signed a two-year extension in 2025 but by the time his deal ends he will be 36 years old. Some believe he can still perform at the top level because his reading of the game is world-class, but others think Liverpool will have to look for a younger replacement. The decision will be one of the most emotional in club history because Van Dijk is not only a defender, he is the symbol of the Klopp era and the man who transformed Liverpool back into champions.
And then there is Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian King, who remains the face of Liverpool worldwide. With 245 goals in over 400 games, his numbers are staggering, and he shows no sign of slowing down at 33. But just like Van Dijk his contract ends in 2027, and if no new deal is agreed he could leave for free. The thought of Salah walking away without Liverpool getting a transfer fee is almost unthinkable, but the club have faced that reality before. Some fans believe he should be offered a lifetime contract, others fear the decline will come suddenly and the club must plan for the future. For now Salah is focused only on scoring, but behind the scenes the board must prepare for the toughest negotiations.
Wataru Endo is also in the 2027 group. Signed in 2023 as an emergency midfielder, he has quietly become a reliable squad player, winning the Premier League and League Cup. At 32, he is not a long-term option, but he has shown commitment and professionalism. Whether Liverpool keep him beyond 2027 depends on squad depth and younger options like Stefan Bajcetic. Speaking of Bajcetic, the young Spaniard also has his contract running until 2027. Still only 20, he has already had loan spells to build experience, and his future at Liverpool is uncertain. He could grow into a key midfielder or be sold to make space for others.
Joe Gomez, once the great hope of English defending, is another name heading towards 2027. Injuries robbed him of consistency, but at 28 he still has time. He has already played over 240 times for Liverpool but has never scored a goal, a statistic that surprises many. His versatility is valued, but whether he earns another contract depends on how well he can stay fit. Kostas Tsimikas, the Greek left-back, is in a similar position. After losing his place to Kerkez and even Robertson, he was sent on loan to Roma. His future is tied to what happens with Robertson. If the Scot leaves, Tsimikas could return as backup, if not, his Anfield chapter may close in 2027.
Curtis Jones is one of the local lads in this list. At 24 he has already played almost 200 times, scoring important goals and winning multiple trophies. He is dependable and creative when fit, but injuries have slowed his progress. Most believe he will sign a new deal because his connection to Liverpool runs deep, but nothing has been confirmed. Calvin Ramsay, the young Scottish right-back, has barely featured because of injuries. With Conor Bradley now rising, his chances look slim. If he cannot prove himself by 2027, his Liverpool dream may end.
The story of these expiring contracts is bigger than just football. It is about loyalty, legacy, and the constant evolution of a team that never stands still. For Liverpool fans every name on that list carries memories of goals, tackles, and trophies. To imagine them leaving is painful, but football is ruthless. The next two summers, 2026 and 2027, will shape the new Liverpool under Arne Slot. Some legends may say goodbye, others may stay, and new heroes will rise. What is certain is that Anfield will continue to sing, no matter who wears the shirt, because the club is bigger than any individual, but the individuals will always remain part of the story.
