David Ornstein reports that Liverpool will initiate contract discussions with three core players

The Athletic journalist David Ornstein revealed that Liverpool will initiate contract talks with three of their core players. Liverpool wants to secure the future of captain Virgil van Dijk, vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold and leading goal scorer Mohamed Salah,

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp revamped the squad during the summer and bolstered the midfield with some astute signings. Many long-serving players departed the club as Klopp dubbed the new squad “Liverpool 2.0,” ushering in a new era.

However, Liverpool kept some of the old guards to maintain the core and appointed Van Dijk as captain. Klopp appointed Trent as the vice-captain and used the right-back more centrally and at times as a number six.

Meanwhile, the 56-year-old also tinkered with the role and responsibility of Salah as he crossed 30 years of age. The Egypt captain relies more on his technical prowess, creativity, and linkup than his dribbling and pace.

As things stand, Van Dijk, Trent and Salah’s contract expires on June 30, 2025 (h/t Transfermarkt), requiring Liverpool’s attention. The Reds have successfully negotiated contracts and managed to keep their top assets in recent times.

Responding to the question about the contract situation concerning Trent, Salah, and van Dijk from the Athletic, Ornstein said:

“All three players are huge for Liverpool and that makes the situation massively important. It isn’t ideal for them to be approaching their final year, but Liverpool have managed contract situations really well in recent years and I don’t think there’s anything to suggest they won’t again here”

Ornstein further clarified the situation surrounding Salah and his commitment to the club. He said:

“Naturally, given what happened last summer with Saudi, Salah feels like the most uncertain/unpredictable, but as I’ve said on here before, some have suggested to me that Salah still has the appetite to continue competing at the top level of European football with Liverpool, so a departure is not certain at all. Crucial times ahead.”

Salah has played a pivotal role in the success that Liverpool has enjoyed during the first half of the current season. The 31-year-old led both the goalscoring and creative charts until he departed for the AFCON competitions.

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Liverpool needs to secure the future of their core players to keep any outside interest at bay. Van Dijk, Trent, and Salah are not only important for their on-field qualities but also for their leadership. Alongside Alisson Becker and Andy Robertson, they are the players from the “Liverpool 1.0” who are still crucial to Klopp.