Liverpool have been told to consider selling two of their star players following a dip in form
Liverpool stars Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool stars Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have come under fire for their dip in form(Image: PA)
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Former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster believes Liverpool should sell Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk for £50m each following their sharp drop in form. The two Reds stars both signed bumper new contracts, reportedly worth £350,000 a week, at Anfield in April last year after a lengthy period of uncertainty over their futures.
Many supporters expressed relief at the time after Liverpool secured the services of two of their biggest assets until at least the summer of 2027. Salah and Van Dijk played a key role in Arne Slot's side winning the Premier League last season.
However, they have so far failed to justify their hefty new deals this campaign, with Liverpool struggling to mount a title defence. Both players again looked lacklustre during the Reds' 3-2 loss to Bournemouth last weekend, and ex-England and Wrexham shot-stopper Foster reckons keeping them may prove to be a costly mistake.
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.
"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.
"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."
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool
Salah's relationship with the club and Slot and is at a low point, leading to speculation over his future(Image: Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
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While Salah and Van Dijk's loss of form has been notable, it would be a surprise if the Reds were willing to let them go at Foster's suggested price. Salah has been through a turbulent patch with Liverpool manager Slot, meaning a summer exit should not be ruled out.
However, the Reds previously turned down a hefty £150m offer for the Egyptian winger from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad in 2023. Meanwhile, Van Dijk has been strongly criticised for his performances by fellow Dutchman Jaap Stam.
Speaking after Liverpool's defeat to Bournemouth, the former Manchester United star 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."
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