Happy December, Reds!
Let’s cut to the chase. Offers have officially been presented to three of our most important players that are facing free agency in the summer.
David Ornstein of The Athletic reports that they are opening contract offers for Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil Van Dijk. He is also sure to point out that these are just opening offers, meaning there is still work to be done to be sure that all parties are happy.
Liverpool make opening contract offer to Mohamed Salah. Does not mean agreement done or close (any outcome expected to take time) but Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold have all now received proposals + talks with #LFC ongoing @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/9pxoQ3jWEv
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) December 8, 2024
Trent and Virgil both received opening offers last week, reports Ornstein, with Salah’s offer coming this week. There are rumors (from less reputable sources) that the initial offer for Salah is for two years with an option to extend another year, keeping the Egyptian King on Merseyside through would could be the end of his career.
Van Dijk is seen as the other “sure thing” signing in the trio, as he has made clear that he wants to stay and continue working with the club. At 33, another extension could also see the captain stay through potentially the end of his career.
Alexander-Arnold is the only one that has been cagey about his future plans and while he is in his prime at 26, there will likely be more work to do to settle on a contract for the right back. Chiefly amongst that work will be fighting off any perceived Real Madrid advances.
We should continue to be patient and live in the moment of where these talented players are, but what a holiday it might be to be gifted the assurance that any of these three will be staying past next summer.
Liverpool next face Girona in the Champions League on Tuesday December 10th, and then Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday December 14th.