Liverpool conceded the initiative for this Premier League match-week to Arsenal when they dropped two points to Aston Villa on Wednesday evening and the club’s protracted contract negotiations may have played a part.
Liverpool fans are in a strange place right now. There’s delight at the way Arne Slot has come in and dominated England and Europe in his first season and then fear and confusion over the chance of losing Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold for free when the season ends.
The bizarre aspect of Liverpool’s contract situation is that it’s been clear it’s an issue for over a year now and despite the amount of time that has passed, it seems as though there has been very little progress being made.
We’re now heading for March and with just over three months of the season remaining, it’s entirely unclear whether or not Slot will be able to call on three of his most important players.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 6: Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 4-0 during the Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on February 6, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
According to a claim from Graime Bailey and Rousing the Kop, “Liverpool players are growing frustrated that Virgil van Dijk is yet to be tied down to a new deal at Anfield.”
There is “disquiet” among the players with “murmurings” at the situation being reported although it’s noted that there is no ill will to Arne Slot, who is just as powerless to affect the situation.
Sporting director Richard Hughes and chief executive of football Michael Edwards are in charge of contract negotiations for van Dijk, Salah and Alexander-Arnold.
For van Dijk, the stalemate in negotiations is centred around not being offered enough money. There is an offer on the table and despite Fabrizio Romano claiming that there is a “good conversation” over his renewal, nothing has been signed yet.
Despite being legally allowed to talk to interested clubs due to being in the final six months of his contract, van Dijk will not make a decision on his future while he is still under contract with Liverpool.
Share this article
Related Articles
