Mohamed Salah's contract remains a huge issue for Liverpool
Mohamed Salah's contract remains a huge issue for Liverpool
If Richard Hughes, Michael Edwards and the Liverpool/FSG powerbrokers got any 2025 calendars for Christmas then they probably rolled their eyes. For now at least, they don't need them.
The decision makers at Liverpool have been well aware of when 2025 will dawn for quite some time now, because as soon as the clock strikes midnight and the New Year begins then they know what is allowed to happen.
January 1, 2025 is of course when Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold are, on paper at least, allowed to start talking to other clubs overseas. Although we all know that it doesn't really work like that.
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The idea that the second Big Ben goes bong a club picks up a phone to dial the trio's agents is all a bit too Championship Manager. It just doesn't happen like that in real life, with transfers and contract negotiations often years in the making.
Despite that though, it cannot be denied that January 1 will represent a crucial point in Liverpool's negotiations with their star trio. As beyond that date they are going to have to start taking them at face value.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk will also be out of contract
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk will also be out of contract
Each of the three are in somewhat different situations of course, with the discussions around Van Dijk hugely different to those of Alexander-Arnold. It remains highly 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 he's playing at right now makes his situation all the more pressing. You will essentially have the best player in the Premier League - the man driving his team towards a title and perhaps the end of season personal awards - able to listen to whoever he wants and weigh up whatever they offer him.
Salah has been in sparkling form all season ( Image: Offside via Getty Images)
If the Egyptian does really want to stay as he says he does - and he's made that completely clear - then Liverpool's hierarchy won't be sweating on him potentially being swayed by whatever offer he is free to discuss elsewhere. But if he's grown tired of having to wait, then he might.
If we get there it will be a whole new world in these complex negotiations, one where it will be clear where the power will lie and both sides are going to have to put their trust in the other, if they aren't already. Things could be about to get serious.
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