Carragher Hails Liverpool For Retaining Top Stars

Unlike in previous seasons, Liverpool have been able to keep hold of their best players this season and tie them to long-term contracts.

The likes of captain Jordan Henderson, Virgil Van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho, Alisson Becker and Andy Robertson have penned new deals at Anfield recently and Mohamed Salah could soon follow their lead with fresh terms.

In the past some of Europe’s biggest clubs have come in to poach Liverpool’s big players as the likes of Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa, Luis Suarez, Philippe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling have left for big money.

Carragher is pleased that trend has gradually faded, with Liverpool now firmly established as an elite side under Jurgen Klopp.

"It’s not just about Jordan Henderson, it’s about the group of players who have signed long-term contracts.

"I think Liverpool have some of the best players in the world, with Alisson signing a six-year deal and Virgil van Dijk. I think Mohamed Salah will be the next one to sign.

"In years gone by, certainly when I was at the club, if we had players of that quality, they would be going to Real Madrid or Barcelona.

"We’ve lost so many players over the years, but the club this year hasn’t spent much in the transfer market.

"We’ve bought [Ibrahima] Konate in for £36 million ($50m), and we’ve certainly recouped that through the sales.

"I think the money and expenditure this pre-season was going to go on new contracts, so that those players can stay at Liverpool for the rest of their careers.

"Jordan’s the latest one and follows Andy Robertson, Fabinho also and I expect Salah to do so."