Liverpool are close to finalizing a new contract for captain Virgil van Dijk, just weeks after announcing Mohamed Salah’s extension.
As reported by Pete O’Rourke on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the combined value of both deals is estimated to exceed £100 million each, especially when compared to the potential cost of replacing either player.
Despite their age—Salah is 32 and Van Dijk 33—both remain pivotal to new manager Arne Slot’s plans. Van Dijk is expected to sign a two-year deal, mirroring the structure of Salah’s contract, which was officially renewed on April 11.
Liverpool had always been confident about retaining their two veterans, with early reports back in December already indicating contract renewals were likely. However, uncertainty around Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future and links to Real Madrid complicated the original plan to secure all three simultaneously.
While Salah and Van Dijk’s decisions mark a major boost for the Reds, the club is actively looking to bolster its defense. Scouting for new centre-backs began as early as February, anticipating long-term squad needs.
Looking ahead, Liverpool is also eyeing West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen as a potential successor to Salah, with Newcastle’s Alexander Isak being considered as an alternative.
Though these contract renewals are a positive step for Liverpool’s ambitions, a broader squad overhaul is expected under Slot. According to former Man United scout Mick Brown, up to ten key players could leave within the next few years.
Among those potentially departing are Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Robertson, Van Dijk, and Tsimikas, while questions remain over the future of Salah, Luis Díaz, Núñez, and Diogo Jota as well.
