Tying one of your key players down to a new contract can feel like a new signing in the modern day. By contrast, losing one of your assets to another club on a free transfer is the worst-case scenario - and one that Liverpool are now desperately looking to avoid.
While all eyes are on whether Jurgen Klopp will invest in a central defender when the transfer market reopens next month, the Reds boss will perhaps be more concerned with resolving the future of Georginio Wijnaldum.
The Dutch midfielder is able to speak with foreign clubs from the start of the new year regarding a potential move when his contract expires in June.
Read more on mirror.co.uk