Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have struggled for form after signing lucrative new contracts at Liverpool
Virgil van Dijk has been told to speak privately to Mohamed Salah with an aim to resolving a Liverpool saga
Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah haven't been in the best form for Liverpool(Image: (John Walton/PA Wire))
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Former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster believes Liverpool should offload Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk for £50million apiece following their decline in form. The two Reds stars both penned lucrative new deals at Anfield in April last year after an extended spell of speculation surrounding their futures.
Many fans felt relieved at the time when Liverpool retained two of their most prized assets until at least summer 2027. Salah and Van Dijk were instrumental in Arne Slot's squad claiming the Premier League crown last season.
However, they have so far found it hard to find their best form this term, with Liverpool struggling to defend the title. Both stars once again appeared below par during the Reds' 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth last weekend and former England and Wrexham keeper Foster believes retaining them could prove an expensive error.
Speaking on his Fozcast podcast, he said: "Virgil's nowhere near the player he was at this point last season and with Mo Salah, there's all sorts kicking off with him. It's why clubs are so wary about giving contracts to older players. These are big earners as well.
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"You'd like to think that they're probably both on £300,000 a week. If you go giving them two or three year deals, then I just think you get to that point where you finally sign it and you go, 'Right, that's me done.'
"There's nothing to suggest personally that they would have a drop off, except the hundreds of players before them that have done the same thing. Their character suggests to me that they wouldn't do that because they are professional.
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Liverpool at Vitality Stadium on January 24, 2026 in Bournemouth, England.
Mohamed Salah has a lot to consider this season, with speculation over a move away from Liverpool in the summer(Image: Michael Steele/Getty Images)
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"But we have seen it so many times where big name players sign that big deal and then the drop off is phenomenal. If they could get £40m or £50m for Mo Salah, and probably the same for Virgil Van Dijk, you're taking it."
Whilst Salah and Van Dijk's dip in form has been evident, it would come as a shock if the Reds were prepared to part with them at Foster's proposed valuation. Salah has endured a difficult period in his relationship with Liverpool boss Slot, suggesting a summer departure cannot be completely dismissed.
That said, the Reds previously rejected a substantial £150m bid for the Egyptian forward from Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ittihad in 2023. Meanwhile, Van Dijk has faced sharp criticism for his displays from compatriot Jaap Stam.
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Reflecting on Liverpool's loss to Bournemouth, the ex-Manchester United defender said: "When you watch Virgil van Dijk play, he seems to be doubting himself. He is the leader of this Liverpool team, but they are finding it difficult to get results.
"He seems preoccupied with the performances of his teammates but he also needs to focus on himself. As a central defender, if you are not fully focused in every moment of the game, you can make a mistake. That is costing him and Arne Slot's team dearly.
"When you are one of the best players, and Van Dijk is undoubtedly one of the best defenders in the world, people are going to be highlighting your mistakes, because they expect the very highest level from you.
"Van Dijk has been amazing for Liverpool, but he will know that he has not been as consistent this season. He is a very realistic guy and he knows he needs to improve."