There is an increasing belief within Liverpool Football Club that captain Virgil van Dijk will soon follow Mohamed Salah in committing his future to the club by signing a new contract.
Optimism continues to grow around Anfield as discussions with the Dutch defender near a successful conclusion.
After several months of negotiations, it is now understood that Van Dijk is on the verge of signing a fresh two-year deal that would keep him at Liverpool until at least 2027. The agreement is expected to be finalized soon, barring any unexpected setbacks.
Similarly, Salah recently signed a new two-year extension with the club. As highlighted in the earlier report, the Egyptian forward, who has been a crucial figure at Liverpool since 2017, committed to staying with the Reds despite speculation about a possible move to Saudi Arabia.
Although neither of the contract has not been officially announced, current indications suggest that it would take an extraordinary change in circumstances for both Salah and Van Dijk not to be Liverpool players at the start of the 2025/26 season.
These potential extensions represent significant positive developments for Liverpool, who are currently sitting comfortably at the top of the Premier League table, enjoying an 11-point lead over their closest rivals.
One key detail of both deals is their two-year duration. From a strategic standpoint, this timeframe offers immediate benefits to the club, as it ensures they retain two of their most experienced and influential players during a crucial transition period.
In addition, having these contracts in place removes the uncertainty that has lingered throughout Arne Slot’s debut campaign as Liverpool manager. The speculation surrounding the futures of senior players has, at times, threatened to overshadow the team’s achievements.
Liverpool are on course to secure their 20th league title, a historic milestone. However, this pursuit of glory has been accompanied by off-field questions about the long-term futures of Salah, Van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold — all of whom were set to enter the final stages of their contracts.
While progress has been made with Salah and Van Dijk, the situation with Alexander-Arnold remains uncertain. Talks are reportedly ongoing between the right-back and Real Madrid regarding a possible free transfer in the summer, casting doubt over his Anfield future.
Van Dijk’s likely renewal would ease one of the major concerns Liverpool’s recruitment team has been preparing for. Had the 33-year-old opted to leave, the club would almost certainly have been forced into the transfer market to sign a new first-choice central defender.
Liverpool’s recruitment department had already started identifying possible replacements. The focus was largely on players who are either naturally left-footed or have substantial experience playing on the left side of central defense.
Among those being scouted was Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, though the true extent of Liverpool’s interest in him remains unclear. Bournemouth’s on-loan talent Dean Huijsen has also attracted attention from the club’s scouts.
However, with Van Dijk now expected to stay, much of the planning around signing a new elite center-back may be shelved. That said, the future of Ibrahima Konaté, Van Dijk’s current defensive partner, also requires attention. Konaté is entering the final year of his contract, and unless new terms are agreed upon soon, Liverpool may be faced with another big decision this summer.
Additionally, the long-term roles of defenders Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez at Liverpool remain uncertain. Their futures could influence whether the club still seeks defensive reinforcements.
Nonetheless, Van Dijk’s continued presence at the heart of Liverpool’s defense significantly reduces the urgency to sign a high-profile and potentially expensive replacement in the upcoming transfer window.
Equally important is the retention of Mohamed Salah. With seven matches still to play this season, the 32-year-old has already racked up an impressive 54 goal contributions, including 32 goals across all competitions.
Before Salah’s contract situation moved toward a resolution, there were strong expectations from sources within the Saudi Pro League that he might be tempted by a lucrative move to the Middle East. Liverpool’s decision to keep him is a statement of intent.
Having preserved much of their financial strength during last summer’s window, Liverpool are expected to be proactive when the transfer market reopens. Signing a central striker is reportedly a top priority.
One of the names near the top of Liverpool’s shortlist is Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak. However, prising him away from St James’ Park will likely prove difficult, as Newcastle are reluctant to part with their star forward.
Furthermore, the club is also believed to be targeting at least one new full-back. This stems from the uncertainty surrounding Alexander-Arnold’s future and questions over Andy Robertson’s long-term fit in Arne Slot’s tactical system.
Players such as Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez and Fulham’s Antonee Robinson have been linked with potential moves to Anfield. Both have impressed with their performances and could offer the dynamism and versatility Liverpool are looking for on the flanks.
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