Brashna Kasi
Updated on: October 15, 2024 11:12 am GMT
As Liverpool navigates the complexities of the current football season, the futures of three key players hang in the balance. Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all in the final year of their contracts, raising concerns about their potential departures from the club. In an exclusive interview with DAZN, former Liverpool forward Michael Owen shared his thoughts on the implications of this situation.
High Stakes for Liverpool’s Star Players
The contract situations of Salah, van Dijk, and Alexander-Arnold could have significant repercussions for Liverpool, not just in terms of team performance but also financially. If the players do not sign new contracts, the club risks losing them for nothing when their deals expire next summer. This precarious position has left fans and management alike on edge.
Owen expressed his concern, stating, “It’s quite worrying that three of Liverpool’s best players have all got eight or nine months left on their contract. That’s not a great place to be.”
His comments highlight a deeper issue for the club — the balance between maintaining a competitive squad and ensuring contractual stability with key players.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: A Potential Move?
Of the trio, Trent Alexander-Arnold is viewed as a player at the peak of his powers. Owen described the young right-back as “part of the fabric of the club,” noting how integral he is to the team. He goes on to say, “You wouldn’t want to lose him because of all those things, and he’s an amazing player.”
However, the conversation turns to speculation about Alexander-Arnold’s future. According to Owen, the only realistic alternative for him would be a move to Real Madrid. He stated, “An exceptional club, a total change, not going to any rival in the Premier League.”
The connection between Alexander-Arnold and new Real Madrid player Jude Bellingham has further fueled discussions, with Owen suggesting that such a transfer could be on the horizon.
Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah: Different Paths Ahead
Unlike Alexander-Arnold, the future paths for Van Dijk and Salah appear less certain. Both players have had impressive tenures at Liverpool, but with age considered, their priorities might shift. Owens hinted at a possible end-of-career move for Salah, who has been linked to clubs in Saudi Arabia.
He said, “Many years now at the club, great players, and great servants. Do they want one final big payday, maybe going to Saudi or something like that?” The question of money versus legacy presents a dilemma for both players, with the prospect of leaving Liverpool for financial incentives weighing on their minds.
Yet, Owen doubts the likelihood of Salah joining clubs that could be seen as sideways moves in his career. He remarked, “The thing with being a Liverpool player is you’re only going sideways or down the majority of the time.” With Real Madrid not desperately in need of a player like Salah, the options may become limited as the season progresses.
What Lies Ahead?
The upcoming months will play a crucial role in shaping the future for Liverpool’s trio of superstars. Owen believes the performance of the team and the direction under manager Arne Slot will influence their decisions. “I think the manager and the way that Liverpool plays the next few months might play a big role,” he noted.
Liverpool fans will be watching closely to see if these influential players will extend their contracts or if the club will face a rebuilding phase. The situation not only affects the players but also the overall morale of the team and its supporters.
Conclusion: A Season of Uncertainty
The uncertainty surrounding the contracts of Salah, Van Dijk, and Alexander-Arnold brings an air of tension to Liverpool FC. With the potential for losing these top performers, the club must carefully navigate contract negotiations while striving for success on the pitch. As we watch the season unfold, the decisions made in the coming months will undoubtedly shape both the present and future of this storied club.
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