Liverpool Contracts: Will Mo Salah, Virgil Van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold Stay? | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Contract Conundrum: Will Salah, Van Dijk, and Alexander-Arnold Stay?

The January transfer window has closed without a whisper from Liverpool, leaving fans to ponder what the future holds for some of the club’s most iconic players. In a recent episode of Big Decisions on Anfield Index, Trev Downey joined Dave Davis to dissect Liverpool’s current contract situation, focusing on the futures of Mohamed Salah, Virgil Van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Downey’s Verdict on Liverpool’s Big Three Contracts

Trev Downey didn’t hold back when discussing the uncertainty surrounding the contracts of Salah, Van Dijk, and Alexander-Arnold. The Liverpool podcaster gave candid percentages on the likelihood of each player remaining at Anfield, painting a mixed picture for fans.

Virgil Van Dijk: 80%

For Downey, Virgil Van Dijk remains the cornerstone of Liverpool’s defence and leadership. “I feel like an idiot saying this, but I still have a quiet expectation that Virgil will retain his position as Captain and be over the line whenever that has to happen,” he said. Downey assigned an 80% likelihood that Van Dijk will stay, emphasising his pivotal role both on and off the pitch.

Photo: IMAGO

Downey also touched on the baffling delay in finalising Van Dijk’s contract, stating, “I’m really baffled as to why it hasn’t been done yet. I don’t understand what possible upside there could be to this.” His confidence, however, remains firm, noting that Van Dijk’s leadership and influence are irreplaceable.

Mohamed Salah: 60%

When it comes to Mohamed Salah, the picture becomes murkier. Downey admitted his hope is slightly diminished compared to Van Dijk’s situation, estimating a 60% chance of Salah staying at Liverpool. “With Mo, it’s exactly the same [as Van Dijk], but I’d be about 20% less hopeful of that one,” Downey remarked.

Photo: IMAGO

Downey speculated that Salah’s ambition might play a role in his decision. “I wonder if Mo doesn’t have the ambition to just say, ‘Well, I can go and do anything at any club,’ and every club will agree with him.” This insight reflects the global appeal and elite status Salah commands in world football. Despite this, Downey remains cautiously optimistic, aligning with the belief that Salah’s focus is still on delivering another Premier League title for Liverpool.

Trent Alexander-Arnold: 40%

Perhaps the most concerning for Liverpool fans is Downey’s assessment of Trent Alexander-Arnold. Downey placed the likelihood of Trent staying between 20% and 40%, expressing deep concern over the defender’s future. “The Trent one, I think, is almost certain to go the other way,” Downey stated bluntly.

Photo: IMAGO

He elaborated on the allure of clubs like Real Madrid, suggesting that Trent might be tempted by the opportunity to play abroad. “If you think that’s not ridiculously attractive, then you’ve lost the plot completely,” Downey said. He even considered a scenario where Trent could return to Liverpool later in his career but warned, “It doesn’t tend to work that way. Real Madrid quite often take people in, spit them out.”

Downey also hinted at a noticeable change in Trent’s commitment on the pitch: “The last time I saw him in a red shirt, I was wondering again because I thought there was a certain absence in terms of the absolute commitment that you can see on the park.”

A Big Summer Ahead for Liverpool

Downey and Davis were unequivocal about the importance of the upcoming summer for Liverpool. Arne Slot faces the daunting task of navigating this contract minefield while also reinforcing the squad. “It’s going to be a big summer for the Reds,” Downey predicted. “One way or the other, a big summer will involve deals for the three lads in question with their contracts. That’s going to be an issue of money in or money out.”

Photo: IMAGO

Downey also criticised Liverpool’s lack of action in the January window, stating, “The right decision is always to strengthen when you are strong.” He lamented the missed opportunity, saying, “I feel very disappointed that we didn’t do something at least.”

As the summer approaches, the club will need to address not only the futures of Salah, Van Dijk, and Alexander-Arnold but also potential squad changes in key positions, including left-back and centre-half. Downey’s analysis underscores the urgency for Liverpool to act decisively to maintain their status at the top of English and European football.

Conclusion: The Clock is Ticking

Trev Downey’s insights paint a sobering picture for Liverpool fans. While there’s optimism around Virgil Van Dijk’s future, the uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold could spell significant changes at Anfield. As Downey aptly put it, “Whatever way you slice it, man, change is afoot and recruitment will have to happen.”

Liverpool’s ability to retain their key players and make strategic moves in the summer will be crucial in determining whether they can continue to compete at the highest level. Fans will be watching closely, hoping that Downey’s percentages lean in favour of the Reds.