Liverpool will sadly be tasked with the daunting task of replacing Jurgen Klopp but will the Anfield superstars follow the German tactician out the door?
Club captain Virgil van Dijk has sparked this fear following recent comments he made about his future following the manager's bombshell decision. The center-back is entering the final year of his contract but when asked about extending his time at Anfield, the 32-year-old gave a cryptic response.
The defender refused to answer when asked if he will be part of Liverpool's next era once Klopp steps down at the end of the season, instead revealing that he will be closely following who the club appoint to replace the 56-year-old and his current coaching staff.
"That's a big question. I don't know," the Dutchman responded when asked if he will be a figure in Liverpool's next era, as quoted by the Daily Mail.
The player was then reminded of his contract situation, with there only being 18 months on his current deal. The former made no mention of wanting to extend this agreement, instead deflecting back to the task of finding Klopp's successor.
"That's correct. Good maths. I don't know. The club will have a big job on their hands, that is well known.
"To replace not only the manager but the whole staff, there are so many things that will change. I'm very curious which direction that will go in but when that will be announced we will see our situation. I can't say much about it. It will be the end of Klopp's era and I am still part of it.
"That's why I don't like to talk about it. That is my main focus. We will see at the end of the season, hopefully we will have the success we all dream of and by then probably there will be more clarification about what the club wants for the future and then we will see."
But is the Liverpool captain truly contemplating an Anfield exit? As per the Daily Mail, the Merseyside giants are not immediately concerned about the player's future but with only 18 months left on his deal, the Reds will need to address this situation sooner rather than later.
Additionally, Van Dijk is not the only Liverpool star in this situation. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah, who, alongside Van Dijk, form the club's three most crucial outfield players, are also out of contract in 2025.
Salah in particular has been linked with an exit thanks to interest from the Saudi Pro League. However, while the Egyptian ace has not pushed for an exit so far, it remains to be seen whether this will continue past Klopp's inevitable departure.
The Reds, who face Chelsea in the top flight this Wednesday, are currently top of the Premier League and are one of the favorites to win the title. They are also through to the Carabao Cup final, have booked their ticket to the FA Cup 5th round, and are also the favorites to win the UEFA Europa League.
