Salah and Van Dijk Share Insight into Liverpool Contract Negotiations | OneFootball

Salah and Van Dijk Reflect on Liverpool Contract Talks

Conversations behind the scenes

While negotiations played out quietly in public, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have revealed that they were “always” talking to each other about their contract situations last season. Speaking on All Red Video, the Liverpool duo explained how their futures were a constant point of discussion.

Salah admitted: “Both of us, every day! We’ve been together for eight years. We appreciate that so much and we know how much we work and try to push each other and the younger players. We always had that conversation: what was going on between us – me and Virgil and his guys, we always see each other.”

After months of speculation, both players signed new two-year deals in April, easing concerns over their futures.

Photo: IMAGO

Commitment to Liverpool

Van Dijk confessed there were moments of doubt at the start of the campaign. “There were definitely maybe some question marks at the start of the season,” he said. “We’re at the age now as well that it all comes down to the responsibility that we have to our teammates, to the club, to the fans to perform.”

He added: “It was not a difficult thing in some ways to do for us; we just had to perform and what will be will be, so that’s how we went to it. Obviously, it took quite a while so we had to sit tight, but I think for both of us, we got the outcome that we both wanted and I think the Liverpool fans as well.”

Despite the uncertainty, both players excelled. Salah produced staggering numbers, scoring 34 goals and providing 23 assists across all competitions. Van Dijk meanwhile led with authority during a season that ended with Liverpool lifting the Premier League title.

Salah’s example for younger players

The Egyptian forward explained his mindset during the contract saga. “You can ask anyone, I know what I’m supposed to do, what not. So I go into the season like, ‘OK, if that’s my last season, I need to enjoy it, I need to show the fans that I really give them everything that I could give’. And I also want to lead by example for the younger players. They see like, ‘OK, someone has a contract situation like that and still can be able to focus and give it all for the club’.”

Salah’s professionalism ensured his performances never dipped. For the younger squad members, watching how he maintained focus under pressure is a powerful lesson.

Photo: IMAGO

What comes next

Attention now turns to others within the Liverpool squad. Ibrahima Konate has entered the final stages of his contract and speculation links him with Real Madrid. The leadership of Salah and Van Dijk provides a blueprint for how to navigate such situations. By keeping performances at the highest level, they set standards for what is expected at Anfield regardless of off-field negotiations.

The saga also underlined Liverpool’s ability to retain its biggest stars. In an era when elite clubs across Europe circle constantly, ensuring Salah and Van Dijk remained at Anfield was a statement of intent as Arne Slot builds towards defending last season’s title.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

The commitment shown by Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk during uncertain times deserves the highest praise. Supporters could sense the tension while contract talks dragged on, but both players ensured their focus never wavered on the pitch.

Salah’s words on leading by example sum up his importance beyond just goals and assists. His output of 34 goals and 23 assists speaks volumes, yet it was his decision to perform as if every game could be his last for Liverpool that resonated most. That mentality drives standards in the dressing room.

Van Dijk, meanwhile, embodied the captain’s role with calmness. He openly admitted “there were definitely maybe some question marks” but emphasised responsibility to teammates and fans. That approach reassured supporters that he was never distracted by external speculation.

Fans will now look to Ibrahima Konate. With rumours about Real Madrid, the Frenchman must follow the same path. Liverpool supporters want him to show the same dedication that Salah and Van Dijk displayed, ensuring success on the pitch comes first.

Ultimately, the club’s decision to keep both leaders was vital. Their influence guarantees not just stability but the continuation of a winning culture at Anfield.