Revealed: Arne Slot’s Crucial Role in Fixing Liverpool’s ‘Neglected’ Contract Situation | OneFootball

All Expiring Contracts Will Be Signed, Courtesy of Arne Slot

When the legendary former manager, Jürgen Klopp, departed his formidable Anfield post, he did so with the admiration and love of an entire fanbase. The former Borussia Dortmund great knew that he had reached the peak of his managerial powers and wanted to step away with his world class reputation intact. The ability to know when to step down is not always apparent to many elite level operators, with most ending up having such choices made on their behalf.

Regarding the reds biggest historical rivals and following a succession of disappointments of their own, finally the envious Manchester United support was able to applaud as the mighty German left his famous Anfield stadium one last time, however, the standing of the great man appears to have papered the cracks that were left behind, those which have subsequently grown since.

Photo: IMAGO

Who Is to Blame?

Blame is a very controversial word that can often cause upset to footballing followers, especially when regarding their esteemed former manager, Jürgen Klopp. Though it would be easy to point the accusatory finger at FSG and some American based neglect, this predicament is more likely the fault of those that were directly overseeing on pitch duties in the 2023/24 season.

We know that after the resignation of Michael Edwards in 2022 (from the reds Sporting Director position), the appointment of his former assistant, Julian Ward, ended in the same fate only a year later. That critical role that each executive undertook with expertise, was never directly replaced from the summer of 2023 and after Ward stepped away. That moment in time would have represented the key moment to offer new contracts to vital assets, especially those with just two years remaining.

The power and prestige of the sitting German manager, Klopp, allowed him the ability to install an interim Director of Football, Jörg Schmadtke. The semi-retired operator undertook a part time role for the Merseyside club, one that was predominantly engineered from his sunshine bathed home in Ibiza. Despite the innuendo of an unprofessional lifestyle being led by such a key LFC figure, the former Wolfsburg decision maker still managed to oversee the signings of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, and Wataru Endō. It is unclear how much direct involvement the former Goalkeeper had; however, he was keen to make his place as assistant to the club manager, crystal clear to all.

Photo: IMAGO

The regeneration was largely successful in that summer of change, though by ploughing all directorial work into recruitment of new assets, the renegotiation of contracts for existing players was ignored. I suspect that some senior squad members were informed of the incoming departure of their beloved manager (well ahead of the official announcement), therefore, the appointment of an interim Sporting Director and the failure to tie down assets to longer deals now makes more sense.

What Is Likely to Happen?

The scenario outlined above has seen the world class trio of Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Trent Alexander Arnold, reach the final eight and half months of their existing deals, without new terms agreed. Upon seeing the disastrous results of appointing Erik ten Hag to the Manchester United manager’s role, there was no chance that the three Liverpool legends would be signing off on extensions without taking a good long look at their new Head Coach, Arne Slot.

For the players and most of the uncertain followers, there needed to be a successful start (by the Dutchman) to life at Anfield, for trust to be gained by all. Each individual man would instantly walk into any team on the planet, something which gave them all the power and influence to make their choices and decide their own timeline.

Photo: IMAGO

Following a brilliant start to the 2024/25 campaign, I believe those choices have now been made and negotiations will be well underway by the club. The total package to secure three signatures which will see the owners commit to £1m per week, something that will align with their standing in the game. For anyone to assume this type of agreement can be engineered quickly must understand the intricacies involved.

Each player will have demands that relate to guaranteed monies, bonuses, duration of deal, and image rights. The club itself must also protect their own interests and ensure that all parties reach a soft landing. This outcome cannot and will not be reached overnight, therefore, despite my belief that all contracts will be agreed, it still may take a little more time.

Concerning the route to completion, it is not the former steward that will have enabled successful contract negotiations, but the new man in charge, Arne Slot.