Arne Slot on Liverpool’s Contract Conundrum Amid Title Charge | OneFootball

Liverpool Face Key Contract Decisions Amid Title Push

Liverpool continue to dominate the Premier League under Arne Slot, securing a 3-1 comeback victory over Leicester City on Boxing Day to extend their lead at the top of the table. However, questions surrounding key contract renewals for Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Virgil van Dijk threaten to overshadow the Reds’ on-pitch success.

Performance Trumps Contract Talks

When asked about the trio’s expiring contracts, Slot was quick to shift focus to their contributions on the pitch. Speaking to Amazon Prime Video, he emphasised, “We don’t talk about contracts in public. This is something for the players and Richard [Hughes, Liverpool sporting director]. It’s not up to me to talk about those situations in public.”

Slot went on to praise the performances of his key players, while also noting areas for improvement, particularly for Alexander-Arnold. “Mo again had a good game. Virgil had a very good game. Trent for most parts was really good, [with] one or two exceptions. But especially second-half, he was really good. That we can talk about, not about the contracts.”

Salah’s Uncertain Future

Salah’s contract situation looms largest, with the Egyptian forward free to negotiate with foreign clubs from next week. With 16 Premier League goals to his name this season—three ahead of Erling Haaland—Salah remains Liverpool’s talisman. His potential departure would be a significant blow to the Reds, yet Slot has been careful not to let speculation disrupt the team’s focus.

Liverpool fans will be hoping that Salah’s stellar form, coupled with the club’s title charge, convinces him to remain at Anfield. However, the lack of progress on contract talks leaves an air of uncertainty.

Photo: IMAGO

Importance of Stability

Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold also face expiring contracts, further complicating Liverpool’s position. Van Dijk, who has been a cornerstone of Liverpool’s defence, showcased his class yet again against Leicester, while Alexander-Arnold demonstrated his versatility and creative prowess.

Slot’s comments suggest a measured approach to these negotiations, prioritising performance and stability. With Arsenal snapping at their heels and the pressure of maintaining a title challenge, Liverpool cannot afford distractions.

Focus Remains on the Title

Slot was candid about Liverpool’s standing atop the Premier League, refusing to accept that the title is theirs to lose. “Interesting question! I don’t look at it that way,” he said. “Bit of a boring answer but as a manager you go game by game, and you know how many games you still have to play. Especially in the Premier League, you see sometimes results where you didn’t expect that.”

His response underscores the unpredictability of England’s top flight. Yet, Liverpool’s consistency—having suffered just one league defeat this season—positions them as firm favourites for the title.