The Times reporter Paul Joyce revealed that Liverpool could secure the futures of captain Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah. Joyce made this claim amid the disappointing news that Trent Alexander-Arnold preferred a move to Real Madrid as a free agent.
Van Dijk, Salah, and Alexander-Arnold are pivotal members of the senior team and essential first-team regulars under Arne Slot. The Reds management faced this peculiar situation and is to blame for not securing the trio’s contract much earlier.
However, the rumours circulating Alexander-Arnold hint that he had the move pre-planned with talks with Real starting early in 2024. Furthermore, out of the three key Liverpool players, Alexander-Arnold holds more value as an asset due to his young age.
Liverpool legends Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have played a pivotal role for the club this season.
Liverpool legends Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have played a pivotal role for the club this season.
Salah and Van Dijk remain a pivotal part of the senior team and have a strong relationship with the fanbase. The two legends have also highlighted their desire to stay at the club, unlike their teammate who faces severe backlash.
Joyce wrote in the Times that Liverpool are more hopeful of securing the future of Van Dijk and Salah before their contract expires. He said:
“There has been a sense of resignation over the future of Alexander-Arnold — who has a good relationship with Slot and has benefited from his coaching this season — among Liverpool supporters for a number of months. In contrast, there is more hope on Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah agreeing new deals. Both players are also out of contract in the summer, and negotiations are continuing with them, although there has not yet been a breakthrough.”
Salah has acted as the main outlet in attack with an impressive tally in both goals and assists this season. The Egyptian captain has 32 goals and 22 assists from 43 games in all competitions for Liverpool so far.
Liverpool cannot replace such contributions and consistency and the 32-year-old remains a key attacking figure at the club under Slot. While age remains a big issue, Liverpool needs to secure the future of Salah and have any potential successor compete with him before any transition.
The Reds cannot afford to lose Salah before having a successor lined up, particularly when the attack has struggled recently. Meanwhile, captain Van Dijk has also played a pivotal role for Liverpool in the defence, featuring regularly.
More Liverpool News:
Van Dijk has bailed his teammates out numerous times in recent months, particularly after December when others struggled with form. The 33-year-old remains strong defensively and his leadership is also a requirement that Liverpool cannot afford to lose.