Arne Slot has had a dream debut season with Liverpool so far but will be keeping a keen eye on contract negotiations for Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 20: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Arne Slot head coach of Liverpool talking with Virgil van Dijk captain of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield on October 20, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Arne Slot gushed over Virgil van Dijk when admitting he hasn't worked with a defender like the Dutchman before
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Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Arne Slot's been told he lacks the "power" to secure Virgil van Dijk's future at Liverpool - with the Reds captain being described as the club's "big priority" this summer.
The defender is one of three key players out of contract at the end of the season, alongside Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Despite the trio having just months left on their deals, they've led the Merseyside club to top of the Premier League, which they lead by 13 points having played a game more than second-placed Arsenal.
Slot's fondness of his compatriot is obvious and was recently reiterated when he admitted that he doesn't think he's ever worked with a defender as talented as the 33-year-old. However, despite his adoration of Van Dijk, he's been told by former Liverpool defender Stephane Henchoz that he's powerless in the Dutchman's decision to remain at or leave Anfield.
Speaking to BoyleSports, who offer the latest Cheltenham betting, the 50-year-old said: "I’m certain that Arne Slot is desperate to keep Virgil van Dijk, but I don’t think he has the power to offer the money and length of contract that Van Dijk is looking for.
"It all comes down to the finances of the club, but if Liverpool are to lose Van Dijk then it would be a massive, massive loss. He is so important on the pitch as a player but also with his leadership and his personality, when people aren’t doing their jobs he is letting them know."
Should Van Dijk depart Liverpool after seven years, Henchoz warned his former side they won't be able to replace their leader. "It’s impossible to replace him," he insisted. "You can find a top centre back but no one can do what he has done. It’s probably his last big contract and he will want to negotiate it well, but we know that the club will have their own limits on spending. But it should be a big priority."
While Van Dijk has opted to focus on what Liverpool can achieve in the next few months of the season, he did touch on his contract situation when he said that he remains "fully committed" to the football club. "It’s all about the next couple of months," he told ex-Liverpool captain Jamie Redknapp in an interview for Sky Sports. "To make sure we give everything.
Arne Slot clapping the Liverpool fans
Slot will be desperate to keep hold of Van Dijk ( Image: AFP via Getty Images)
"We are still in three competitions and we want to be successful in all three of them. And that is the main focus I’ve got. Very, very big plans in that sense. I want to make sure that this team is successful and that’s my main focus at the moment.
"I can’t speak about personal conversations that have obviously been going on for a while. I can only say that I am fully committed to the club. I love the fans, I love the club. I’ve had such an amazing time already. When there is a definite answer on my future, it will probably be out. Then everyone can know. I’m quite calm about it."
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