Virgil van Dijk will not be leaving Liverpool this summer, with Anfield sources robustly dismissing links to AC Milan and Fenerbahce. The captain, who turns 35 this month, played every minute of the Premier League season and remains integral to the club's plans under new coach Andoni Iraola. However, he is one of 11 Liverpool players who have entered the final 12 months of their contracts as of July 2026.
FSG's Contract Strategy and Recent Departures
Fenway Sports Group has historically allowed players over 30 to leave for free at the end of their deals, as seen with James Milner, Roberto Firmino, Gini Wijnaldum, and most recently Andy Robertson. Mohamed Salah's contract was terminated by mutual agreement with a year to spare. However, the club was disappointed to lose Ibrahima Konate as a free agent at age 27 to Real Madrid after nearly two years of negotiations. Trent Alexander-Arnold technically left for a fee of around £10m in June 2025, but would have walked away for nothing had a deal not been expedited for the Club World Cup. Losing players in their 20s for nothing is not viewed as best practice at Anfield.
Key Players in the Final Year
Curtis Jones
The midfielder faces an uncertain future. Inter Milan wanted him but their offer fell shy of £22m, while Liverpool sought closer to £35m. The club prefers to keep Jones and reopen talks, but no discussions are scheduled. Nottingham Forest has been linked after their £116m windfall from selling Elliot Anderson to Manchester City, but Liverpool won't sell cheaply.
Alisson Becker
The Brazil No.1 was subject to strong interest from Juventus and was receptive to a move after eight years at Liverpool. However, a one-year extension triggered in March gives the club more time. Alisson is expected to stay and survey his options in 2027.
Joe Gomez
The longest-serving Reds player (since 2015) said in May: "I don't know [what is next] is the honest answer. I've only got a year left on my contract... Whatever's meant to be will be." Gomez was close to leaving on deadline day last year when a deal for Marc Guehi broke down. He is now the only experienced centre-back alternative after Konate's departure, with youngsters Jeremy Jacquet (20) and Giovanni Leoni (19) providing competition.
Wataru Endo
The Japanese midfielder, 33, has entered the final year of his £16m deal from Stuttgart. He has rarely been first choice and could be seen as expendable, but his versatility at centre-back may keep him as depth. A free transfer exit next summer looks distinct.
Harvey Elliott
The midfielder barely featured on loan at Aston Villa, who were reluctant to make the £35m permanent deal due to PSR concerns. RB Leipzig wanted him last summer but Liverpool sought £50m. Inactivity at Villa Park hasn't helped his valuation, but a new coach may reopen the door to the first team.
Remaining Players
- Freddie Woodman: Third-choice goalkeeper performed admirably when called upon in April. Likely to be offered terms to stay for home-grown quota.
- Kostas Tsimikas: Returning to cover for Milos Kerkez, but permanent offers will be listened to after six years.
- Calvin Ramsay: No closer to the first team after four years; loan or permanent move likely.
- Stefan Bajcetic: Hasn't played a first-team game since 2023; loan spells at Salzburg and Las Palmas were mixed. Needs to get fit before decisions are made.
- Harvey Davies: Young goalkeeper could be moved on as the department is well stocked.
The pre-season period under new coach Andoni Iraola will be crucial for several players, especially Elliott and Bajcetic, as Liverpool navigates a summer of contract uncertainty.
