According to an exclusive report by The Athletic UK’s top journalist David Ornstein, alongside Liverpool correspondent James Pearce, the Reds are close to finalizing contract extensions for two of their biggest stars—Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.
The new deals are expected to span two years, securing the services of both key figures well into the club’s next era.
This breakthrough signifies the end of a long negotiation battle and reaffirms Liverpool’s intent to preserve the spine of their squad amid an upcoming managerial transition.
A Contract Conundrum That Once Looked Dire
Salah and Van Dijk’s existing contracts are set to expire at the end of this season. Until recently, there had been real concern that both could leave on a free transfer this summer, potentially dismantling Liverpool’s core just as they compete for the Premier League title.
Back on November 24, after scoring twice in a 3-2 win over Southampton, Salah voiced frustration over the lack of a renewal offer in a post-match interview. His comments were interpreted as a veiled warning to the board: renew or risk losing him.
A few weeks later, The Athletic revealed that Liverpool had presented Salah with a new offer, but the two sides failed to reach an agreement, casting fresh doubt over his future.
Meanwhile, Van Dijk’s situation followed a similar trajectory. Although he received an offer in December, reports suggested that the terms fell short of expectations.
His representatives reportedly tested interest from Real Madrid—but the Spanish giants showed little concrete enthusiasm.
However, following a recent Premier League fixture, Van Dijk confirmed that “positive progress” had been made in talks and expressed his strong desire to remain at Anfield.
The Numbers Tell the Story: Salah and Van Dijk Are Irreplaceable
This season, Mohamed Salah has continued to produce elite-level output. Across 45 appearances in all competitions, he has recorded 32 goals and 22 assists—an outstanding return by any standard.
In the Premier League alone, he leads both the scoring and assist charts with 27 goals and 17 assists in just 31 matches, making him arguably the most influential player in England this season.
Virgil van Dijk has likewise maintained a commanding presence at the back. In 43 matches across all competitions, he has chipped in with 3 goals and 1 assist.
His Premier League averages—1.10 tackles, 1.61 interceptions, and 5.10 clearances per match—illustrate why he remains among the best centre-backs in Europe.
Simply put, Salah is Liverpool’s offensive engine, while Van Dijk is its defensive anchor. Replacing either would be a logistical nightmare—and would likely require £100 million+ in the transfer market, with no guarantee of immediate success.
Two-Year Extension: Strategic Risk with High Reward
Reports suggest the new contracts will follow a “2+1” structure: two guaranteed years plus an optional third based on performance and availability.
Given both players are in their 30s, this is a carefully calculated commitment. By offering short-term extensions with built-in flexibility, Liverpool are hedging their bets while still demonstrating loyalty to two of their modern legends.
This approach also sends a clear message: Liverpool are not entering a rebuilding phase—they are doubling down during their current window of contention.
Uncertainty Looms for Trent Alexander-Arnold
While Salah and Van Dijk are set to stay, there’s increasing concern around the future of Trent Alexander-Arnold. The vice-captain, a product of Liverpool’s academy, is reportedly attracting interest from Europe’s top clubs, including Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
Despite Liverpool’s efforts to retain him, signs point to Trent potentially seeking a new challenge abroad.
The good news? Rising star Conor Bradley has emerged as a promising successor. The 20-year-old has impressed when given the opportunity and could step into the starting role should Alexander-Arnold depart.
A Stabilized Core Ahead of a New Era
Retaining both Salah and Van Dijk is arguably the most critical move Liverpool could make in this transitional period. With Jürgen Klopp set to depart, ensuring continuity through proven leaders will ease the shift in leadership and tactical identity.
While reinforcements are still needed in positions such as left-back, centre-back rotation, and backup striker, keeping their core intact will significantly reduce pressure on summer spending.
For supporters, these renewals represent more than just new contracts—they symbolize a club that values loyalty, recognizes its legends, and refuses to compromise its ambitions.
New Manager, Same Mentality
As Liverpool prepare to welcome a new manager, the phrase “change without losing identity” has never been more apt. By securing Salah and Van Dijk, the Reds are making it clear: the face of the club may change, but its soul remains intact.
These renewals give Liverpool the platform to continue fighting for major silverware. They ensure that the next era begins not with uncertainty—but with confidence, experience, and world-class quality.
In short, this is not just a win for the club—it’s a statement of intent.
