If Richard Hughes, Michael Edwards and the Liverpool/FSG power brokers got a 2025 calendar for Christmas, they would probably roll their eyes. At least for now they don't need them.
The decision makers at Liverpool have known for some time now when 2025 will arrive, because as soon as the clock strikes midnight and the new year begins, they know what may happen.
January 1, 2025 is of course the moment when Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold can, at least on paper, start talking to other clubs abroad. Although we all know it doesn't really work that way.
The idea of the second Big Ben having a club pick up the phone to call the trio's agents is all a bit too Championship Manager. That just doesn't happen in real life, with transfers and contract negotiations often years in the making.
Despite this, there is no denying that January 1 will be a crucial point in Liverpool's negotiations with their star trio. After that date they will have to start taking them at face value.
Each of the three is obviously in slightly different situations, with the discussions surrounding Van Dijk differing vastly from those of Alexander-Arnold. It remains very likely that the Dutchman will extend his stay at Anfield, while it remains highly uncertain what the homegrown right-back will do.
Salah is different again, but the level at which he is now playing makes his situation all the more urgent. You will essentially have the best player in the Premier League – the man who drives his team to a title and perhaps personal end-of-season trophies – who can listen to whoever he wants and weigh up what they have to offer him.
If the Egyptian really wants to continue as he says he does – and he has made that perfectly clear – then Liverpool's hierarchy will not sweat the fact that he may be swayed by whatever offer he may discuss elsewhere. But if he's tired of waiting, then maybe.
If we get there, a whole new world will emerge in these complex negotiations, one in which it will be clear where the power will lie and both sides will have to put their trust in the other, if they aren't already. Things could get serious.
Comments