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Mohamed Salah contract update: Liverpool manager Arne Slot discusses winger’s situation

Slot: Salah is smart enough to make the right decision

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has expressed confidence that forward Mohamed Salah is “wise enough to make the right decision” regarding his future.

The 32-year-old’s contract is set to expire in the summer, and he revealed in January that this would be his final season at Anfield, as he and the club were “far away from any progress” on a new deal.

Salah, who has netted 23 goals this season, has been instrumental in helping Liverpool reach the top of the Premier League and the Champions League round of 16.

The Egypt international has frequently been linked with a potential move to Saudi Arabia, with the country’s sports minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, describing him as “a big prize” and stating they “would love to have him.”

“Everybody wants him, including us,” said Slot. “We want him to extend, of course, that is clear. I’m not surprised that Saudi Arabia wants him, but I wouldn’t be surprised if other countries are interested too.”

He continued, “He’s old enough and wise enough, and has made so many smart decisions in his career, that he will make the right decision for himself and, hopefully, for us as well.”

Salah has scored 19 goals in the Premier League this season, bringing his total to 176 goals, moving him up to seventh in the all-time Premier League goal-scoring rankings.

Along with Salah, captain Virgil van Dijk and right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold also have contracts expiring in the summer. Slot mentioned he has had regular conversations with all three players about their futures.

“Of course, I speak to these players,” Slot said in his pre-match press conference ahead of Liverpool’s away game against Bournemouth on Saturday (15:00 GMT). “I speak to them, not every day like [sporting director] Richard [Hughes], but quite often, and it would be ridiculous if, during all these discussions, we never talked about the future. Of course, we do.”

He added, “As you probably also know, that’s not something I’m going to discuss with you. It’s not only the three who are out of contract, you also talk about future matters with other players too. It’s an ongoing process, but it’s also something I won’t talk about publicly with you.”

January 31, 2025
Liverpool transfer update: Mohamed Salah request made and uncertainty surrounding Jordan Henderson’s future

Speculation about the futures of both current and former Liverpool players, including Mohamed Salah, is intensifying as the transfer window nears its close.

While January 31 typically marks the end of the mid-season transfer window, this year, the window remains open until Monday, and rumors are circulating as the deadline approaches. Most of the focus is on clubs like Aston Villa, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham, who are expected to make moves before Monday.

As for Liverpool, no significant last-minute signings are anticipated, which may frustrate some fans. However, manager Arne Slot likely feels no urgent need to add to his squad at this time.

That could change in the summer, though, with uncertainty surrounding the futures of key players such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, and Mohamed Salah. Each of them has only five months left on their contracts, making them eligible to negotiate with foreign clubs.

Of the three, Salah has been the most frequently mentioned in the media. After rumors linking him to Paris Saint-Germain, recent reports suggest a potential move to Saudi Arabia. The Telegraph indicated that a transfer to Al-Hilal is the most probable destination if Salah does leave Liverpool.

Things escalated on Thursday when Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Sport, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, shared in an interview with Piers Morgan Uncensored that he would love to see Salah play in Saudi Arabia. When asked if Salah represented the “big prize” for the Saudi league, Al-Faisal responded, “Well, definitely, because if he ticks all the right boxes, even for us, we’d love to have him.” He went on to express a cultural connection with Egypt, noting, “He’s Egyptian, and we have a very good relationship, and we feel like we are one with the Egyptians as well, from our culture and our history and so on. So to have Mo Salah or other players that are good role models would be a pleasure and a privilege to have in the Saudi League. Will it happen or not? That’s up to the clubs to decide and to see what negotiations go on.”

Meanwhile, Salah’s former teammate, Jordan Henderson, could also be on the move, though there are conflicting reports about his future. On Thursday, Fabrizio Romano reported that Henderson was close to finalizing a permanent move to Monaco, potentially setting up a reunion with Liverpool if they meet the Ligue 1 side in the Champions League round of 16.

However, reports from the Netherlands contradicted this. De Telegraaf stated that Ajax’s technical director, Alex Kroes, rejected the Monaco bid, as Henderson is considered an important player for the team. The report also suggested that a move next summer remains a possibility, with Henderson open to joining Monaco.

The situation became even more intriguing later that night when Henderson started for Ajax in their Europa League match against Galatasaray but was stripped of the captain’s armband. He was substituted in the later stages of the game, replaced by Daniele Rugani. It will be interesting to see if Henderson retains his place in the lineup for Ajax’s upcoming Eredivisie clash with Feyenoord.

January 31, 2025
Liverpool urged to sign £39.5m ‘match winner’ from Real Madrid, described as ‘a wonderful talent,’ if Mo Salah departs

Danny Murphy has identified the Real Madrid forward Liverpool manager Arne Slot should target in the summer of 2025 if Mohamed Salah departs at the season’s end, also suggesting three Premier League players who could potentially fill his shoes.

Salah is considered one of the greatest players in history and a Liverpool legend. Over his time with the club, the Egyptian forward has become a prolific goal scorer, netting 232 goals in 379 appearances. He has also provided 105 assists and helped Liverpool win both the Premier League and the Champions League.

Liverpool supporters cherish Salah and would like him to extend his stay, but with his current contract expiring at the season’s close, there is mounting uncertainty about his future at Anfield.

TEAMtalk reports that clubs in the Saudi Pro League are interested in acquiring Salah as a free agent in the summer of 2025, with Paris Saint-Germain also pursuing the former Chelsea player, reportedly eager to convince him to join their ranks.

Liverpool is likely to consider potential replacements for Salah, and former Anfield star Murphy has recommended that the Reds pursue Real Madrid winger Rodrygo in the summer of 2025.

Murphy is a big admirer of the 24-year-old Brazilian forward, who has won La Liga three times and the Champions League twice with Madrid since his £39.5m transfer to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2019.

When asked which European players would be ideal replacements for Salah, Murphy told OLBG: “If Liverpool wanted one player to replace Mohamed Salah, the obvious choice for me would be Rodrygo from Real Madrid. I think he’s a wonderful talent.

“I don’t know what his contract situation is in Madrid, but I think of him because we’ve seen him play at the highest level and win Champions Leagues in the last couple of years.

“His numbers aren’t like Salah’s, but he’s a match winner. He can beat people, he’s quick, he’s playing in an environment where he’s under huge pressure every week and dealing with it.

“Additionally, they’ve got so many talented players at Real Madrid that maybe there is room for one of them to leave. So that would be the obvious standout for me.”

West Ham and Southampton stars also named as potential Salah replacements

Murphy also has other players in mind who could replace Salah if he leaves Liverpool. The former midfielder highlighted West Ham United’s Jarrod Bowen and Southampton’s young talent Tyler Dibling as two players who could step in, along with Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo as a potential option.

When asked which Premier League players could best fill the void left by Salah, Murphy said: “It will take more than one player to replace the void left by Mohamed Salah, and for me there are two obvious ones, Antoine Semenyo and Jarrod Bowen.

“Semenyo I like as a player but might not quite be ready yet, he still needs time to grow, whereas Bowen is tried and tested and is nearly always West Ham’s best player when he is fit.

“He is a super talent but his age profile might be pushing it for Liverpool. If Liverpool could bring in both Bowen and Tyler Dibling from Southampton, I think that would be brilliant.

“A young, super-talent, full of confidence, plays on that right side, comes in on his left foot, beats people. I think that those two could help Liverpool if Salah leaves. If he left tomorrow and Liverpool got Bowen and Dibling, that would be brilliant.”

January 22, 2025
Liverpool player confirms new contract offer but his remarks may worry fans

Liverpool’s January transfer window has left supporters feeling disappointed, as no major signings have been made to strengthen the squad amid the club’s battle for both the Premier League title and success in European competitions.

Adding to the uncertainty, the contracts of three key players—Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold—are still unresolved, raising concerns that they could leave for free at the end of the season.

A previous report suggested that Virgil van Dijk has agreed to a two-year contract extension, but official confirmation is still awaited.

Ibrahima Konate, who plays alongside Van Dijk in defense, is also a priority for a new deal, with his current contract set to expire next summer.

Ibrahima Konate has confirmed that Liverpool has offered him a new contract, but he has expressed uncertainty about the timing of a potential agreement.

As quoted by Fabrizio Romano on X, Konate said:
“It’s true, I’ve been offered a new contract by Liverpool. Am I close to signing it? That’s another conversation!”

Konate joined Liverpool in July 2021 for £36 million from RB Leipzig and has since become an essential figure in the team’s defense, forming a strong partnership with Van Dijk. This season, the 25-year-old has made 22 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals and providing an assist. His absence earlier in the season due to a knee injury, which sidelined him for eight games, highlighted his importance to the team.

While Van Dijk often receives most of the praise for his defensive work, Konate’s solid performances often go unnoticed, even though he has been a key figure alongside the Dutchman.

Liverpool fans worried about unusual contract situation

Konate’s remarks will likely intensify the worries of Liverpool fans, who are concerned about the unresolved contracts of their star players. The longer these negotiations continue without resolution, the more likely it becomes that these key players will depart.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid, while Mohamed Salah, despite expressing his desire to stay, is now rumored to be a target for Saudi clubs.

Liverpool must act swiftly to resolve these contract issues, or they risk losing their most important players for nothing in the summer.

January 21, 2025
Liverpool Transfer News LIVE: Alexander-Arnold Agreement Finalized, Salah and Van Dijk Set to Depart

Liverpool Transfer News Live: Reports suggest that Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have both reportedly agreed to exit, while Milos Kerkez could offer a significant boost to the Reds.

Liverpool fans have been waiting for some positive transfer news after a rocky start to 2025. With Arsenal narrowing the gap to just four points at the top of the Premier League after their victory over Tottenham last night, and limited activity in the January transfer window, things haven’t been smooth sailing. Hopes of signing players like Martin Zubimendi and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia now seem to be dashed.

However, there’s a troubling update emerging from Saudi Arabia, with Mega FM reporting that both Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have reportedly agreed to join teams in the Middle East this summer. If true, this could spell further challenges for Liverpool as the transfer window progresses.

On a more positive note, The i Paper has revealed that Milos Kerkez is leaning toward a move to Liverpool over competing offers from Manchester United and Manchester City. This gives the Reds a potential edge in their search for a new left-back.

More on Salah

Sky Sports has also reported that Al-Hilal is interested in signing Mohamed Salah, with the Saudi Arabian club ready to offer him a lucrative contract. The Pro League champions are on the lookout for a star to replace Neymar, who is expected to leave in the summer. According to Sky Sports News’ chief reporter Kaveh Solhelkol, Al-Hilal’s pursuit of Salah hinges on whether the Egyptian forward feels it’s time to leave Europe.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Deal ‘Done’

In a significant development, Marca reports that Trent Alexander-Arnold has verbally agreed to move to Real Madrid. The deal is reportedly done, and it’s now a matter of when the transfer will be finalized. Real Madrid is eager to bring the Liverpool vice-captain in, possibly this month, or they may negotiate a pre-contract agreement for a summer free transfer.

Salah and Van Dijk ‘Agree to Leave’

In a dramatic twist, Khaled Qinan, a Saudi reporter, claims that both Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have agreed to join Al-Hilal. According to Qinan, Salah has already reached “preliminary agreements” with the club, and a final deal could be imminent. Van Dijk, too, reportedly told Liverpool, “it’s over,” signaling his intention to move to Saudi Arabia. While this is a sensational claim, it remains uncertain whether both players would join the same club simultaneously.

With the uncertainty around these high-profile exits, Liverpool may need to expedite contract talks to secure their future.

January 17, 2025
Major Liverpool icon ready to anger Anfield supporters by landing Mo Salah this summer

Steven Gerrard, the legendary Liverpool figure, is ready to face the disapproval of his former club’s fans by pursuing Mo Salah on a free transfer for Al Ettifaq.

Though Al Ettifaq isn’t part of the “big four” Saudi clubs (Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli), their connection to Liverpool gives them significant influence in the ongoing Salah transfer discussions.

Currently sitting in 11th place in the Saudi Pro League, 22 points behind leaders Al Hilal after just 14 games, Al Ettifaq’s need for a proven striker is clear.

Mo Salah could potentially join Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq

While Al Ittihad believes that Salah is their target for this summer, reports suggest that Salah’s agent has also been in contact with PSG.

However, sources close to Liverpool, as reported by CaughtOffside, indicate that Al Ettifaq is leading the race and plans to secure Salah on a free transfer when his contract with Liverpool expires at the season’s end.

There continues to be interest from other Saudi clubs like Al Ittihad and Al Hilal, with additional reports stating that clubs such as FC Barcelona, Juventus, Al Nassr, Inter Miami, and Zamalek are also monitoring the situation.

Despite the interest, Liverpool still holds the upper hand in the Salah deal

Previously, Al Ittihad made a £150 million offer for Salah, which was rejected. Based on recent interviews, it seems that Liverpool has not been particularly proactive in keeping the star player.

Al Ettifaq is reportedly looking to build its strategy around acquiring Salah for free. If they can meet his financial demands, the prospect of joining the club ahead of the 2026 World Cup could be highly attractive to the Egyptian forward.

For the moment, Salah remains a Liverpool player, and they still hold the advantage, provided they are willing to negotiate.

More news….

Arne Slot Losing Faith as Liverpool Set Price for Star Player

Liverpool are not anticipating a busy January transfer window as Arne Slot sets his sights on a Premier League title challenge.

The Reds resumed their EPL campaign over the weekend with a 2-2 draw at home against Manchester United, but Slot’s side still leads the title race by six points.

The primary focus at Anfield remains on ongoing contract negotiations with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and club captain Virgil van Dijk.

Slot is reportedly content with his current squad, although there is a possibility of a significant sale to generate funds for future acquisitions.

According to Football Insider, Darwin Nunez could be one player moved on by Slot after a mixed start to his tenure under the Dutch coach.

Nunez’s Liverpool contract, transfer value

Nunez’s existing deal keeps him at the club until 2028 after joining for £64m ($71m) from Benfica in June 2022.

The Uruguayan has struggled with consistency on Merseyside, having scored just 20 EPL goals across his first two seasons under Jurgen Klopp.

Slot has used him even less in the 2024/25 season, with just seven league starts and two goals by the midway point of the campaign.

Reports suggest that Liverpool are willing to entertain offers around £45m ($55m), a significant loss on their initial investment in the 25-year-old.

Slot’s stance on Nunez seems clear, with Salah, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, and Cody Gakpo all ahead of him in the attacking hierarchy, and the former Feyenoord manager losing confidence in his ability to adapt to the new system at Liverpool.

Newcastle United may be tempted to make a bid, either in January or the summer, particularly if they receive a substantial offer for star striker Alexander Isak.

January 16, 2025
FSG delivered nine-word message to Mohamed Salah as Liverpool prioritizes contract talks

Liverpool fans are hoping Mohamed Salah secures a new contract at Anfield as his current deal nears its end, but it may not be that straightforward, according to Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

Hasselbaink suggests that Fenway Sports Group could decide against offering Salah a new deal due to his age. The Egyptian international’s contract expires in June, by which time he will be 33 years old. Despite Salah’s impressive performance this season, with 18 goals and 13 assists, the former Chelsea forward believes Salah could leave the club.

In an appearance on The LineUp, in partnership with BetMGM and talkSPORT, Hasselbaink commented: “Mohamed Salah is doing the business week in, week out at the top, top level. There are not a lot of players like Salah who will be playing as well as he is in the last year of their contract.”

“He can obviously put all of the distractions to the side and perform like he has been – I think it really shows how mentally strong he is. If I’m the manager of Liverpool, I obviously want to keep all three of Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold.” However, Hasselbaink acknowledged that the club’s owners might view the situation differently, adding, “I would let Salah go because of his age.”

He further explained: “You would have to pay him mega money and I just don’t think you can give a player of his age a three-year contract. Business-wise, it’s not sustainable and the best business for Liverpool is to see him go.”

Salah isn’t the only key player with a contract expiring this summer. Both club captain Virgil van Dijk and England’s Trent Alexander-Arnold have not yet agreed to new terms. Like Salah, Van Dijk, 33, is nearing the end of his career, but he has been vocal about his desire to extend his stay at Anfield. Meanwhile, 26-year-old Alexander-Arnold has been linked with a potential move to Real Madrid, and losing him on a free transfer would leave a significant gap in Liverpool’s lineup.

Hasselbaink shared his thoughts on these players, stating: “I think Van Dijk will stay as you can still get three good years out of him playing as a centre-back. As for Trent, it all depends on what he really wants and where he sees his career going. Do you only dream of being a Liverpool player or do you want to see how good you can be in a different country and culture?”

January 10, 2025
Liverpool transfer news roundup – Tottenham match updates, Osimhen update, Kimmich ‘being considered’

Latest Liverpool Transfer News and Gossip: Updates on Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, Santiago Gimenez, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool have been linked with a stunning move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.

The Nigerian forward, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray, has faced uncertainty regarding his future after being dropped from Antonio Conte’s squad at Serie A. Both Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea have long been interested in Osimhen, though a transfer in the summer did not materialize.

Reports also indicate that Liverpool are monitoring Borussia Dortmund and England youth international Jamie Bynoe-Gittens. At the same time, German reports suggest Liverpool’s pursuit of Alphonso Davies may have encountered a setback, as the player is reportedly negotiating a contract extension with Bayern Munich.

In other news, speculation has arisen about a potential move for Darwin Nunez from a Saudi Pro League club. Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s name continues to be linked with a potential Liverpool takeover, following comments from his father that have fueled further speculation.

Ex-Liverpool Goalkeeper Linked with Move After Premier League Exit

Loris Karius could be on the verge of joining a new club for the first time since departing Newcastle United at the end of last season.

According to Sky Germany, Schalke are interested in signing the goalkeeper to replace Ron-Thorben Hoffmann, should Hoffmann move to Eintracht Braunschweig. Karius would provide backup as a replacement for Hoffmann on the bench for the 2. Bundesliga side, which is currently battling relegation to the 3. Liga.

Explosive Update on Bayern Munich’s Davies and Kimmich Contracts

Alphonso Davies finds himself in a situation similar to Trent Alexander-Arnold, with his contract at Bayern Munich expiring this summer.

Kicker reports that “Davies is in the Alexander-Arnold clamp,” though there may be some hope since Real Madrid is not prioritizing signing the Canadian international. Despite ongoing discussions over Davies’ future, as well as those of Jamal Musiala and Joshua Kimmich, little progress has been made in talks.

The situation behind the scenes at Bayern is expected to intensify in the coming month, with the club’s confidence in re-signing the trio reportedly diminishing since November and December.

Saudi Club Eyes Salah as Neymar Replacement

Al Hilal is reportedly considering Mohamed Salah as a potential replacement for Neymar this summer.

According to Spanish sports newspaper AS, Salah is the preferred option for the Saudi club should Neymar depart when his contract expires at the end of the season. The report notes that Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has been trying for years to convince Salah to move to a club in the Kingdom.

Arne Slot Targets Feyenoord Winger as Salah Backup

Liverpool are said to be planning a move for Anis Hadj Moussa, with the club keeping a close eye on the Feyenoord winger this season.

Football Insider reports that Liverpool have identified the Algeria international as a potential backup for Mohamed Salah. Hadji, who was signed by Feyenoord from Belgian club Patro Eisden while Arne Slot was in charge, penned a five-year contract in April.

Liverpool Interested in Osimhen

Anfield Watch has revealed that Victor Osimhen is an unexpected but intriguing attacking target for Liverpool.

The report claims that Liverpool have long admired the Nigerian forward, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli. Osimhen has been under intense transfer scrutiny, with PSG and Chelsea also showing interest in him. His omission from Antonio Conte’s squad led to his move to Turkey.

Anfield Watch further noted: “Liverpool really admire Victor Osimhen and (Michael) Edwards and (Richard) Hughes both view him as the ideal replacement for Nunez.”

The Reds’ interest in Osimhen dates back several years, with Edwards being a long-time admirer of the Nigerian since his early days in European football in Belgium and then at Lille.

January 10, 2025
Liverpool’s Return from Tottenham Turns into a Travel Nightmare of Chaos

Liverpool’s Travel Chaos and Injury Woes Ahead of FA Cup Clash

In the latest update from Anfield, chaos has struck Liverpool’s travel plans, impacting their preparation for this Saturday’s FA Cup clash against Accrington Stanley. The Reds, who have been focused on continuing their Premier League title charge, now find themselves navigating unforeseen disruptions.

Travel Plans Disrupted Amid Worsening Weather

On Wednesday night, Liverpool’s return flight to Merseyside was forced to reroute to Birmingham due to worsening weather conditions across the North West. The team was supposed to land at John Lennon Airport, but freezing temperatures and heavy fog led to the flight being redirected, leaving the squad stranded an additional 80 miles from home.

With Thursday’s training session at the AXA Training Centre canceled, the players were expected to undertake recovery work from home. Despite the challenges, those responsible for organizing alternative transportation at such short notice were commended for handling the situation smoothly, even in the late hours. As a result, many of the squad didn’t return home until the early hours of Thursday morning.

However, there’s optimism that the disruption won’t be detrimental to the squad’s FA Cup preparations. Given that Arne Slot is expected to rotate his side against League Two strugglers Accrington, most of the players impacted by the travel issues are unlikely to feature heavily. The focus remains on Tuesday’s crucial Premier League clash at Nottingham Forest.

While the team will miss out on a full recovery session ahead of the weekend, it’s not seen as a major setback. As is typical after a match, post-match recovery sessions were scheduled for players who featured the previous day, so the cancellation is not seen as hugely disruptive to overall preparations.

Tyler Morton in Race Against Time for FA Cup Tie

Midfielder Tyler Morton is facing a race against time to be fit for the visit of Accrington Stanley. Morton, who had just returned from an ankle injury, was expected to be included in the squad for the FA Cup third-round tie. However, after missing out on the matchday squad for the Carabao Cup semi-final against Tottenham on Wednesday, he’s now nursing a fresh knock.

Slot is likely to rotate heavily, and Morton could still be in line for a start if he recovers in time. The manager will provide further updates on Friday morning during his press conference at the AXA Training Centre.

Van Dijk Urges Team to Block Out External Noise

With Liverpool enduring a challenging start to January, Virgil van Dijk has urged his teammates to stay focused and ignore external criticism. Despite a 23-game unbeaten streak to end 2024, the Reds have stumbled with a 2-2 draw against Manchester United and a defeat to Tottenham in the Carabao Cup semi-final.

Van Dijk understands that tough patches are inevitable, especially at a club of Liverpool’s stature. He stressed the importance of tuning out external noise and focusing on what’s within the team’s control. “We don’t listen to the noise from the outside world because before the season started, no one would have thought we would be where we are,” said the captain.

The central defender acknowledged that maintaining focus amid constant media attention and social media pressure is challenging but emphasized that Liverpool players must embrace the pressure. “We’re going to have more difficult moments, that is a fact,” he added, “but that’s the beauty of playing for Liverpool because every game is difficult.”

Despite recent setbacks, Van Dijk remains confident, reaffirming the team’s mentality and readiness for what’s ahead. “You have to embrace it, and I am really looking forward to the rest of the season,” he said. “At the moment, we are feeling fine.”

The Reds will look to bounce back with a strong performance in the FA Cup this weekend, as their hectic January schedule continues.

January 9, 2025
Mohamed Salah’s Impact Unavoidable as Unspoken Liverpool Worries Become Reality

The contract situations of Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Virgil van Dijk had largely been a non-issue for Liverpool on the pitch, but this may now be about to change.

Football supporters are famously obsessive, often scrutinizing every detail, and Mohamed Salah recently provided plenty to dissect following Liverpool’s frustrating draw with Manchester United. On Monday morning, as is customary, the Egyptian posted on social media, sharing reflections on the match. However, the post highlighted an image of Salah preparing to take a second-half free-kick, which sparked particular interest due to the presence of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk. The trio, as the only players visible in the image, are also the three senior Liverpool members whose contracts are set to expire at the end of the season, potentially leaving the club on free transfers.

Liverpool fans, eager for updates on contract negotiations with the trio, have inevitably drawn conclusions from Salah’s post. The timing has only added to the speculation, especially with the opening of the January transfer window, which allows the three players to officially discuss potential moves with foreign clubs and sign pre-contract agreements for the summer.

This situation was always likely to unfold, with the looming contract uncertainty now starting to shift the focus away from Liverpool’s on-field success. What had been a recurring topic of discussion is now threatening to become a tangible distraction, both in terms of the team’s performance and the wider atmosphere surrounding the club.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s subpar display against United added to the uncertainty, especially since it followed reports that Real Madrid had expressed interest in acquiring the 26-year-old, potentially for a relatively low transfer fee. With Liverpool still in contention for silverware on multiple fronts, weakening the squad by selling Alexander-Arnold in January seems unappealing, given his crucial role when fit.

Nevertheless, Real Madrid’s confirmed interest could become a growing distraction for Alexander-Arnold and the team. However, there has been no significant indication so far that the contract situations of Van Dijk and Salah have negatively impacted their performances. Van Dijk was one of Liverpool’s standout performers against United, and Salah continued his excellent form, scoring his 21st goal of the season from the penalty spot.

A key distinction remains, though, as Salah and Van Dijk have both indicated a willingness to address their contract situations publicly, even if only to acknowledge they are far from reaching new agreements. In contrast, Alexander-Arnold has not yet spoken about his situation, which could suggest he is still undecided on his future. If that’s the case, publicly discussing his contract might be premature, but once he makes a decision, it would benefit everyone if he clarified his intentions. This would help bring clarity in the final months of the season, allow the focus to return solely to football, and put an end to speculation.

Ultimately, should Real Madrid become a more serious option, Alexander-Arnold wouldn’t be the first homegrown player, nor the first exceptional talent, to leave Liverpool on a free transfer. Additionally, any sustained criticism from fans is unlikely to convince him to stay, although some dissatisfaction with his performance against United would be justified.

Liverpool, of course, cannot escape blame for allowing the contracts of three key players to reach this stage. However, it’s important to recognize that the club has made offers to all three, and despite Van Dijk and Salah’s declared commitment to the club, including Van Dijk’s “calm” approach to his situation, no agreement has yet been reached. All three players, like Alexander-Arnold, have their own sense of value, which has influenced the negotiations.

Under Arne Slot, Liverpool have positioned themselves strongly to compete for trophies both domestically and internationally, making it a memorable season under the Dutch manager. How Real Madrid and any other interested parties handle their pursuit of the three players is beyond Liverpool’s control. However, allowing the contract issues to linger without resolution would be unwise, as it threatens to undermine the team’s prospects over the coming months. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining how much of a distraction these contract talks will ultimately become.

January 7, 2025