Egyptian international Mohamed Salah is nearing the end of his contract with Liverpool, but although talks for a renewal are ongoing, they have not found a way to reach a mutual agreement. Both the player and the club are open to staying on, but his future is still unclear.
The current challenge is to keep the mainstays of the team, as Virgil Van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold are also nearing the end of their contracts.
Salah and Van Dijk have been linked with staying at Anfield, but Alexander-Arnold, of whom Real Madrid have expressed interest, is an increasing unknown quantity, with no information available.
Referring to their future, reporter David Ornstein reported on the current situation with Merseyside clubs still optimistic. On the other hand, he also reported that defeats in the Champions League and Carabao Cup will not affect the futures of three key players.
“I just know Liverpool have been optimistic for some time that they will reach an agreement because, ultimately, they want Salah to stay and there is a belief that he is happy and would like the same,”
“Now, of course, the numbers will need to be right (on what we think is a proposed two-year extension) and clearly that has not been easy… but there has so far been nothing to indicate talks have stopped or are not moving in a positive direction.”
“Furthermore, when you make checks on rumours/ reports/ suggestions that Salah might be set for a move to the Saudi Pro League or PSG, for example, you tend to receive pretty immediate and firm denials,”
“I also don’t sense the Champions League and EFL Cup final defeats will have any bearing on the outcome or timings. The same, I suspect, with Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold.”
Athletic Q&A session
While there is still time left, time is also running out.With the worst case scenario of a world-class right-back leaving the club, in addition to two of the season’s key attacking and defensive players, will Liverpool sign them to new contracts and welcome them into next season…?