A prominent Liverpool journalist has disclosed that mounting rumors surround a player whom Arne Slot simply cannot afford to lose.

A highly regarded journalist has shared what he knows about the future of a key Liverpool player—and it’s not Virgil van Dijk, Mo Salah, or Trent Alexander-Arnold.

These three players are all set to become free agents at the end of the season, meaning Liverpool could lose them without receiving a transfer fee. Among them, Salah, 32, has been the most vocal about his future in recent months.

Despite the uncertainty, the Egyptian forward has continued to shine, scoring 30 goals and providing 21 assists in 38 appearances for the Premier League leaders this season. He also broke six records during Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday, a win that extended their lead to 11 points over second-placed Arsenal.

With a Carabao Cup final against Newcastle approaching and a place in the Champions League last 16 secured, incoming manager Arne Slot has reasons to be optimistic. However, the unresolved contract situations of Alexander-Arnold, 26, Van Dijk, 33, and Salah will be a major concern for him, as he looks to avoid a similar scenario next year.

Meanwhile, French centre-back Ibrahima Konaté has yet to sign a new contract, with his current deal expiring in June 2026, despite reports that Liverpool have offered him fresh terms.

According to The Times’ Paul Joyce, speculation is growing about interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. Ancelotti’s Madrid side has suffered an injury crisis in defense, with Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Antonio Rüdiger, and Éder Militão all dealing with long-term injuries.

As for PSG, while veteran defender Marquinhos remains a key player for Luis Enrique, there appears to be space for another centre-back to reinforce their backline.

Konaté, 25, acknowledged last month that Liverpool had offered him a new contract, simply responding “Yes” when asked. However, when pressed on whether he was close to signing it, he replied, “This is another conversation.”

So far this season, Konaté has played 29 games for Liverpool, forming a strong defensive partnership with Van Dijk.