Slot drops hint on Alexander-Arnold future while Salah says agreement on an extension is ‘not close’ | OneFootball

Arne Slot suggested Trent Alexander-Arnold is committed to Liverpool as uncertainty around his future continues.

The Liverpool head coach has remained tight-lipped when asked about Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk’s contracts, which are all set to expire at the end of the season, with all three allowed to speak to foreign clubs about pre-contract agreements in January.

“I don’t think I have to say too much about it. I’m really happy with Trent, as I am with Mo and Virgil. For me, there’s no difference,” Slot said.

“Maybe there is more happening in the media [with Trent] than the other two, but I’m really happy with the three.”

Alexander-Arnold, who scored Liverpool’s fourth goal of the evening, drew attention with his choice of celebration. Alexander-Arnold made a ‘keep talking’ gesture, seemingly addressing the ongoing speculation about his future.

Reports from Spanish outlets Marca and AS claimed that a move to Real Madrid was close, but Liverpool sources have dismissed these rumours. Instead, the club is focused on securing a contract extension for the 26-year-old, whose current deal expires in six months.

When asked about the celebration, Liverpool head coach Slot kept it brief, saying: “I don’t think it’s negative at all. He’s playing really well, he scored a great goal and the way he celebrated probably tells you enough.”

Mohamed Salah was instrumental in Liverpool’s dominant display, taking his goal tally to 20 in all competitions, and also provided an update on his future.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Salah was asked whether an agreement on a new contract was close and said: “No, we are far away from that. I don’t want to put something in the media and people start saying stuff, but nothing really [has] moved on. For now, I’m focused on the team, and hopefully, we win the Premier League.”

As the January transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Liverpool to see if they can tie down their stars or risk losing them for free in the summer.