Get ready for a thrilling tale of contract negotiations and the fate of two Liverpool legends! Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk almost walked away from Anfield for free, but here’s the inside story of how they stayed.
Liverpool chairman Tom Werner recently shared some fascinating insights. In the summer of 2025, these two talismanic players entered the final year of their contracts, creating a tense situation. The club was prepared to walk away if the numbers didn’t add up, but Werner and his team had a plan.
Van Dijk: Captain and Defender Extraordinaire
Virgil van Dijk, the on-field leader and now captain of Liverpool, lifted the Premier League trophy last season. He joined the Reds from Southampton for a whopping £75 million in 2018 and has since made over 330 appearances. His contract has been extended until 2027, a testament to his importance to the team.
Salah’s Stay: A Decade in the Making
Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian superstar, was heavily linked with moves to the Saudi Pro League, but he’s now committed to staying with Liverpool until 2027. With over 250 goals in 417 appearances, Salah’s decision to extend his contract is a huge boost for the club. Imagine the holes in the squad if both Van Dijk and Salah had left!
Avoiding Drama: The Role of Richard Hughes
In an interview with The Athletic, Werner praised sporting director Richard Hughes for his role in keeping Salah and Van Dijk at the club. Hughes’ patience and respectful approach to negotiations were key. Werner emphasized their trust in Hughes’ ability to execute his plan, stating, “If Richard had said the chasm was too big, we would have respected that.”
The Future: Salah’s Uncertain Path
While Liverpool fans rejoice, there’s a hint of uncertainty. Both players’ performances in the 2025-26 season have been questioned, with Wayne Rooney calling for higher standards from Van Dijk. There’s even a suggestion that Salah might be moved on, but only if a potential suitor makes an offer Liverpool can’t refuse. David James, the ex-Reds goalkeeper, believes that if Salah’s numbers don’t meet Liverpool’s expectations, a transfer could be on the cards.
And This Is Where It Gets Interesting…
With Liverpool currently sitting in eighth place after 11 games, suffering five defeats and conceding 17 goals, the pressure is on. Their next match after the November international break is against Nottingham Forest, a crucial test for the defending champions. Will Salah and Van Dijk lead the Reds back to glory, or will their time at Anfield come to an unexpected end? The future is uncertain, but one thing’s for sure: these players’ legacies will live on in Liverpool’s history.
So, what do you think? Should Liverpool hold on to their stars, or is it time for a fresh start? Let’s discuss in the comments!