With the January transfer window now open, discussions about Liverpool’s out-of-contract players have emerged as a key topic of conversation. While the Reds continue their pursuit of the Premier League title, they also remain focused on the trio who could potentially depart Anfield as free agents in just six months.
Since the summer, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, and Mohamed Salah have been at the center of transfer speculation. Conflicting reports have circulated repeatedly, leaving supporters uncertain about the current status of their contracts.
Rumors of exits have only added to the intrigue. Saudi Arabian clubs made Salah their primary target in 2023, and that interest has continued into this year, with many anticipating that the Egyptian star will fulfill his contract before making a lucrative move to the Middle East. There was also a brief period when Van Dijk was linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, and of course, the major concern has been Real Madrid’s ongoing admiration for Alexander-Arnold.
Once the January window opens, all three players will be eligible to enter pre-contract talks with overseas clubs. Will Liverpool lose three of their most influential players, or are negotiations progressing quietly behind the scenes? Let’s examine the latest comments from the players themselves regarding their contract situations.
Virgil van Dijk
Paul Joyce recently reported that securing Van Dijk’s future is considered a priority for the club. However, the captain revealed after the thrilling 9-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur that there had been no updates regarding his contract situation.
“There’s no deadline at all. We’ll see what the future holds. Is there any update? No,” Van Dijk told reporters. He briefly commented on Salah’s situation but provided no new information there either.
“The numbers speak for themselves. He’s an exceptional athlete. He’s done brilliantly for the club, and I hope he can have his best season yet, staying crucial with his goals and assists and being clinical. He’s a professional, and we’ve all been in that position before. So, on to the next [match]. As for next season? I don’t know.”
Mohamed Salah
Following his surprising remarks about not being offered a new deal and feeling “more out than in” at Liverpool, Salah has since clarified his position on extending his contract. While many expected an imminent agreement, progress seems slower than anticipated.
“No, we’re far from that. But again, I don’t want to say anything publicly and have people speculating, but nothing has really changed,” Salah told Sky Sports after the West Ham match. “For now, the only thing I’m focused on is Liverpool winning the league, and I want to be part of that. That’s been my sole focus since the start of the season.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Alexander-Arnold recently mentioned that past contract talks with Liverpool had been kept private, suggesting that his current situation could follow the same pattern. His celebration after scoring a spectacular goal against West Ham also sparked speculation.
After scoring with a powerful long-range shot, Alexander-Arnold celebrated by gesturing with his hand near his ear, almost as if to suggest he was responding to the chatter surrounding him. While fans have speculated about the meaning behind his celebration, his coach Arne Slot addressed it in a post-match interview.
“No, I don’t think it’s negative at all. He’s been playing exceptionally well, scored a fantastic goal, and his celebration probably speaks for itself,” Slot said.
“I don’t think I need to say much more about it. I’m very happy with Trent, just as I am with Mo and Virgil. There may be more media attention around Trent compared to the other two, but for me, there’s no difference. I’m content with all three of them at the moment.”
