Liverpool are set to initiate contract discussions with three of Jurgen Klopp’s best players to avert their departure in lucrative transfers, according to revelations from David Ornstein.
The team has enjoyed an impressive start to the season, securing victories in 13 out of 20 Premier League matches and currently leading the table with a three-point advantage over Aston Villa.
Liverpool’s promising campaign extends to cup competitions, having progressed to the fourth round of the FA Cup and secured a 2-1 win over Fulham in the first leg of the League Cup semi-final.
Jurgen Klopp can also celebrate Liverpool’s strong performance in European competitions. The club secured the top spot in their Europa League group by winning four out of six matches, with the last-16 opponents set to be revealed on February 24.
The club’s plans for the January transfer window remain uncertain, with no confirmation of significant signings. However, they have expressed interest in notable players, notably making strides in the pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe.
Liverpool have also entered the competition for Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong, a move designed to facilitate Trent Alexander-Arnold’s increased involvement in the midfield.
In addition to potential new signings, Liverpool face the imperative task of securing contract extensions for key players. The contractual terms of pivotal figures such as Mo Salah, Alexander-Arnold, and Virgil van Dijk are set to expire in the summer of 2025.
Providing insight in his latest Q&A for The Athletic, Ornstein handed Liverpool fans a boost by confirming that negotiations for Salah, Alexander-Arnold, and Van Dijk will commence shortly.
The journalist emphasized the crucial roles these players play, describing them as ‘massively important’ to the club’s success.
“I don’t think there was any movement on this before the end of 2023, and to my knowledge, the plan was always to address it in the new year. We’re there now so I would imagine some conversations will get going in due course,” he said.
“Even though January is expected to be a fairly quiet transfer window at Anfield, it’s not the easiest time to start transfer talks and in the case of Salah, he is busy focusing on AFCON. All three players are huge for Liverpool and that makes the situation massively important.
Liverpool ‘manage contract situations really well’
“It isn’t ideal for them to be approaching their final year, but Liverpool have managed contract situations really well in recent years and I don’t think there’s anything to suggest they won’t again here… albeit the football hierarchy has changed a little with the departures of Michael Edwards/Julian Ward and the arrival of Jorg Schmadtke.
“Naturally, given what happened last summer with Saudi, Salah feels like the most uncertain/unpredictable, but as I’ve said on here before, some have suggested to me that Salah still has the appetite to continue competing at the top level of European football with Liverpool, so a departure is not certain at all. Crucial times ahead.”
Ornstein has alluded to the possibility of Salah emerging as a primary target for the Saudi Pro League chiefs, suggesting he is the most probable among the three players to leave.
Securing new contracts for these three world-class players could enable Liverpool chiefs to assist Klopp in achieving further success and winning additional trophies at Anfield.
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