“Done Before January” – Former CEO Reveals Liverpool’s Stance Over Star Trio’s Contracts | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Contract Dilemma: What Lies Ahead for Salah, Van Dijk, and Alexander-Arnold?

As Liverpool continues their 2024-25 campaign under the stewardship of Arne Slot, three of their most prominent stars, Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, face uncertain futures. According to a recent Football Insider report, former Everton CEO Keith Wyness believes the Reds will have clarity on their intentions well before the January transfer window opens.

With each player in the final year of their contract, speculation about possible moves has been rife. Wyness suggests that Liverpool is likely to resolve these situations quickly, adding, “There will be ongoing discussions and if anything is coming in terms of contracts, it’ll be done before January.” But why has Liverpool allowed their key players to enter the last year of their deals, and what could this mean for the club’s future?

Age, Value, and Strategy

Liverpool’s approach to this situation seems strategic. As Wyness notes, “You’ve got to look at age and how these players develop.” Van Dijk and Salah, now 33 and 32 respectively, are nearing the twilight of their careers, while Alexander-Arnold is 26 and entering his peak. This age factor plays a critical role, influencing both Liverpool’s willingness to negotiate and the interest these players are likely to attract.

Photo: IMAGO

From a financial perspective, letting the contracts run down could reduce potential transfer fees but allow Liverpool to focus on keeping the squad intact and competitive. Wyness explains, “The fees won’t be that big considering they are in the final year of their contract. Maybe it was worth hanging on to them.”

However, with elite clubs like Real Madrid eyeing Alexander-Arnold and Saudi clubs targeting Van Dijk and Salah, Liverpool faces a balancing act. Their commitment to retaining these stars could affect their season’s success and their financial standing, especially if no deals are in place by January.

Speculation Surrounding Alexander-Arnold and Real Madrid

Reports suggest that Real Madrid has shown an increasing interest in Alexander-Arnold, particularly following Dani Carvajal’s injury. The Englishman, already one of the Premier League’s top defenders, has attracted attention from the Spanish giants, with contacts reported by Football Insider and transfer guru Fabrizio Romano stating that while no negotiations are active, interest remains high.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool, however, is reportedly preparing to offer Alexander-Arnold a significant wage increase, potentially matching Salah’s salary. This move signals Liverpool’s intention to keep him at Anfield, making him a central figure in the club’s plans for the foreseeable future.

Van Dijk and Salah: Drawn to Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli club has reportedly set its sights on both Salah and Van Dijk. While Salah has previously been linked with moves to PSG and clubs in Saudi Arabia, Van Dijk’s interest in moving to the Middle East is a newer development. Such offers could be tempting financially, as the Saudi Pro League continues to attract top talents with lucrative contracts.

Wyness believes Liverpool will take their time assessing these offers: “They’ll review it during the season and see if a deal can be done that makes sense for all parties.” For Liverpool, keeping players of their calibre is about maintaining stability within the squad, especially under new manager Arne Slot.

Photo: IMAGO

What’s Next?

Liverpool is in a pivotal moment with three critical contracts. Whether or not they secure renewals for Salah, Van Dijk, and Alexander-Arnold before January will undoubtedly shape their future on and off the pitch. According to Football Insider, any deals that are going to happen will likely be done before the window opens, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool fans find themselves in a mix of optimism and apprehension. On one hand, the desire to keep these star players is palpable, with Trent Alexander-Arnold representing the future of the club and an undeniable local favourite. A renewal for him would symbolize a commitment to Liverpool’s future ambitions, with supporters thrilled at the prospect of him leading the next generation.

For Salah and Van Dijk, though, a move to Saudi Arabia could be seen as a natural progression, given their ages and potential desire for a fresh challenge. Fans would likely support Salah’s continued journey in European football if he moves to PSG but could also see the appeal of his legacy expanding in Saudi Arabia.

Ultimately, if Liverpool can lock down Alexander-Arnold and use any departures wisely to reinvest in the squad, fans may feel at peace with the outcome. This trio’s fate remains uncertain, but Liverpool supporters know one thing: Arne Slot and his team must handle these negotiations meticulously to set the club up for sustainable success, no matter who stays or goes.