Liverpool is having a strong start to their season, but fans remain anxious about the contracts of key players Van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Salah running out. However, former Everton chief Keith Wyness has stated that updates regarding these out-of-contract Liverpool stars will emerge before January.
In the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old, who was CEO at Goodison Park from 2004 to 2009 and now runs a consultancy advising elite football clubs, indicated that Liverpool has retained Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold to enhance their chances of progressing far in major competitions this season. This decision may come at the expense of selling these players for substantial fees.
Expert’s thoughts on the future of the trio
Salah, Van Dijk, and Alexander-Arnold will all see their contracts expire at the end of the 2024-25 season. New manager Arne Slot, whose Liverpool side currently tops the Premier League after seven matches, now faces the possibility of losing all three-star players by the conclusion of his first season at Anfield.
Saudi Pro League clubs have frequently been linked with moves for Salah, 32, and Van Dijk, 33, in recent transfer windows. Meanwhile, Alexander-Arnold, 25, is a long-term target for Real Madrid; however, Football Insider reported last week (26 September) that the full-back’s preferred option is to sign a new contract with Liverpool.
“Liverpool are probably thinking about going far in the major competitions this season, and how that money could balance out against future transfer fees for these three players.“
“But Liverpool have prioritized keeping the squad together and letting them push on and bring in money through the competitions.“
“There will be ongoing discussions and if anything is coming in terms of contracts, it’ll be done before January.”
Keith Wyness on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast
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In conclusion, Wyness suggested that Liverpool’s decision to let Van Dijk, Salah, and Alexander-Arnold run down their contracts could prove to be a calculated gamble, one that may be “worth it” if the Reds achieve success this season, as the club must consider the players’ ages and their ongoing development.
