Liverpool are preparing for one of their most delicate squad transitions in recent years and the futures of Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah are now firmly in the spotlight.
With both players out of contract in the summer of 2025, the Reds’ hierarchy must decide whether to agree to demands made by two of the club’s most iconic figures or allow them to move on as part of a wider squad refresh.
According to a report from the Mirror, Fenway Sports Group (FSG) — guided by their long-standing data-driven philosophy — will not allow sentiment to shape negotiations.
The same approach that earned John W. Henry success through ‘Moneyball’ in baseball is again being applied at Anfield. The fear among supporters, however, is that this will go down as one of the biggest errors made during their time as owners of Liverpool.
“The numbers don’t add up as far as FSG are concerned”
While Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future looks more settled amid fresh links to Real Madrid, the situation is far more complex when it comes to Salah and van Dijk — who, despite continued strong performances, are approaching the final stretch of their careers.
“Moneyball has served John W. Henry well down the years,” writes Simon Mullock for the Mirror, who adds that Liverpool’s owners are unlikely to hand out new big-money contracts based on past glories.
Salah, 32 in June, remains one of Europe’s most productive attackers – leading both goals and assists across the top five leagues this season. Van Dijk, at 33, has arguably enjoyed a renaissance campaign, returning to his commanding best as the heartbeat of Liverpool’s defence.
However, age and value retention appear to be key drivers behind FSG’s thinking. The club is reportedly wary of committing to players whose resale value is diminishing, regardless of their current form.
“While both players have enjoyed stellar seasons,” Mullock explains, “the numbers clearly don’t add up as far as FSG are concerned.”
FSG clearly don’t appreciate the value that Salah and van Dijk represent for Liverpool
The dilemma is obvious: losing three legendary players for nothing would be a massive blow, especially off the back of what could be a second Premier League title.
But as Liverpool eye the future under incoming boss Arne Slot, the focus is shifting towards building a younger core capable of sustaining success for years to come.
The report suggests Liverpool may still allow Salah and Van Dijk to leave – perhaps as early as this summer – if new contracts cannot be agreed on FSG’s terms.
“Salah and Van Dijk look like they’ve still got miles left in the tank,” Mullock notes. “It seems absurd to think they will be any different next season. But Manchester City once assumed the same about Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan.”
With both Salah and Van Dijk still performing at an elite level, Liverpool now face a crossroads: secure short-term continuity or look to a new era with bold, data-informed decisions – even if it means saying goodbye to two club legends.
Personally, I think both Salah and van Dijk will be at these world-class levels for at least three more years and they’re worth taking a risk on.
