Liverpool’s push for Premier League glory has remained undeterred despite growing questions over the contract situations of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold. After a commanding 5-0 victory over West Ham on Sunday, manager Arne Slot addressed the mounting speculation, downplaying its impact on the team’s title pursuit. However, privately, there may be concerns regarding the unresolved futures of these three world-class players.
While Slot insists that contract negotiations have not distracted Liverpool on the field, the uncertainty surrounding the trio’s deals remains undeniable. As the club’s focus remains firmly on winning titles, the situation has become an ongoing saga that threatens to divert attention from their primary objectives. Salah, Van Dijk, and Alexander-Arnold have been instrumental in Liverpool’s campaign, and their current contracts, which expire in the summer, allow them to negotiate pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs starting Wednesday. The possibility of losing all three for free next summer presents a serious risk to Liverpool’s strategy.
Liverpool is renowned for its strong business practices and succession planning, but these negotiations are particularly complicated due to the individual circumstances surrounding each player. Salah, who turns 33 in 2025, currently earns a £350,000-a-week salary, and any new deal would reflect his ongoing importance to the club. Van Dijk will be 34 in July, and his leadership remains crucial to Liverpool’s defense. Meanwhile, European giants, including Real Madrid, closely monitor Alexander-Arnold’s future as he faces a pivotal decision about his next step.
A contributing factor to the delay in contract talks is the recent upheaval in Liverpool’s football hierarchy. With the departure of sporting director Julian Ward in 2022, Michael Edwards’ return as chief executive of football, and the arrival of Richard Hughes as the new sporting director, the club has faced significant changes. This has inevitably led to delays in securing long-term agreements for key players.
From the players’ perspective, it is understandable that they may have wanted to wait and assess the leadership of Jürgen Klopp’s successor before committing to new deals. Salah, in particular, had expressed frustrations with his relationship with Klopp towards the end of last season, and for a time, it seemed a contract offer might not be forthcoming. However, an offer has since been made, and Salah himself has acknowledged that a resolution is still “far away.”
Both Salah and Van Dijk, despite their advanced ages, remain integral to Liverpool’s success. Salah’s goal and two assists in the recent match against West Ham have brought his total to 17 goals and 13 assists in 18 Premier League games—an incredible achievement. His consistency has been a hallmark of his eight seasons at Anfield, with 20 goals or more in every campaign. Meanwhile, Van Dijk continues to shine in defense, helping Liverpool keep 13 clean sheets in 27 matches despite a disrupted backline.
Alexander-Arnold’s situation is slightly different, particularly due to his age and the interest from other top clubs. Reports surfaced on Sunday claiming the defender has expressed a desire to join Real Madrid, a claim that surprised Liverpool. Talks between the club and Alexander-Arnold are ongoing, and while the player has an enticing option abroad, the timing of his decision will be crucial.
For Liverpool, resolving these contract situations swiftly is essential to avoid further distractions and ensure the team’s focus remains on its title ambitions. While Slot has managed to keep the squad united and performing at a high level, the club cannot afford to let uncertainty over key players’ futures linger.
