Molby on Liverpool Contracts for Trent and Van Dijk: ‘You better get your money before Salah takes it all’ | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Contract Conundrum: Molby Reflects on Trent, Salah and Van Dijk New Deals

As speculation surrounds the contract situations of Liverpool’s key players—Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk—Liverpool legend Jan Molby offered fascinating insights on the Molby on the Spot podcast. Speaking with host Trev Downey, Molby reflected on how contract negotiations have evolved since his playing days, sharing both his thoughts on the modern game and humorous anecdotes from the dressing room.

Photo: IMAGO

Silence Around Trent, Salah, and Van Dijk’s Contract Renewals

One of the most pressing concerns for Liverpool fans is the current status of contract talks for Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. As the trio approach the final stages of their existing deals, fans are eager to know if Liverpool can secure their long-term futures.

Interestingly, Molby revealed he has heard very little about these negotiations, but isn’t surprised. “There’s just no leak,” he said, alluding to how tightly Liverpool’s operations are run under the leadership of Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes. “Nobody’s hearing anything, and there’s not even any suggestions.” Molby highlighted the meticulous, behind-the-scenes nature of Liverpool’s approach, with both Edwards and Hughes known for keeping contract talks out of the media spotlight.

Do Players Know What Each Other Earn?

Molby offered a unique perspective on whether players know what their teammates are paid—a topic often shrouded in mystery. Despite the secrecy surrounding salaries, Molby confirmed that players generally have a good sense of what each other earns. “We would have known within a couple of hundred pounds,” Molby said, explaining that although wages were rarely discussed outright, players still had a pretty accurate understanding of the wage hierarchy in the team.

Reflecting on his own time at Liverpool, Molby explained that senior players like Kenny Dalglish and Ian Rush were paid the most, with younger players like himself and Steve Nicol gradually climbing the pay scale as they established themselves in the team. Molby shared, “There was an understanding that the highest-paid player at the club was the most important player.”

Peter Robinson’s Role in Proactive Contract Management

In the era before agents wielded significant influence, Liverpool’s legendary secretary Peter Robinson played a crucial role in managing player contracts. Molby explained that Robinson was proactive in ensuring that contract issues were resolved before they became a problem. “Just before you could wreck your mind thinking about it, they’d call you in,” Molby recalled. This preemptive approach kept the squad happy and avoided the kind of dressing-room unrest that can arise when wage disparities become an issue.

Molby highlighted a time when Robinson stepped in during Graeme Souness’s tenure as manager. With new signings like Mark Wright and Dean Saunders commanding high wages, Robinson ensured that established players were fairly compensated, preventing any tension in the squad. “Ideal timing from Peter Robinson before it becomes an issue,” Molby said, praising the club’s handling of contract situations back in the day.

Dressing Room Banter: “Better Get Your Money Before Mo Takes It All!”

Of course, contract talks aren’t all serious business. Molby shared some light-hearted moments from his time in the dressing room, highlighting how players often joke about salaries. When discussing the current contract situations for Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah; Molby imagined the banter that might be circulating among the players. “You better get your money before Mo Salah takes it all,” he joked, adding that light-hearted jabs like this keep morale high even during tense negotiations.

While Salah, Alexander-Arnold, and van Dijk are likely all focused on securing the best possible deals, Molby made it clear that such situations were always a source of humour among teammates. “That’s how dressing rooms work, isn’t it?” he added, suggesting that contract situations—while important—are often treated with a mix of seriousness and good-natured fun behind the scenes.

Liverpool’s Future Hinges on These Renewals

As Liverpool look to secure the long-term futures of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Sala, and Virgil van Dijk, fans can rest assured that the club’s leadership is handling the situation with the same careful planning and discretion that defined the era of Peter Robinson. Jan Molby’s reflections remind us that while contracts may have become more complex in the modern game, the core principles of managing player relationships and maintaining harmony within the squad remain timeless.

With three of Liverpool’s most important players in the midst of crucial negotiations, the months ahead will be vital for securing the club’s future. As Molby wisely put it, “Liverpool can only control their own business,” and right now, their business is ensuring these contracts get over the line.