Mo Salah? Check! Virgil van Dijk? Check! Trent Alexander-Arnold?…

Two of the three Liverpool stalwarts whose contracts were due to expire have now agreed new deals which’ll keep him at Anfield until 2027, leaving just the vice-captain on course to depart on a free transfer in a few weeks’ time.

As per David Ornstein, the England right-back is expected to leave for Real Madrid once his current contract ends on 30 June, and Fabrizio Romano isn’t anticipating a dramatic volte-face in that regard even with the 26-year-old’s two teammates committing their futures to the Reds.

Could Trent yet follow Salah and Van Dijk in staying at Liverpool?

However, reacting to today’s announcement of a new deal for Van Dijk, Sky Sports reporter Vinny O’Connor is refusing to shut the door on the possibility of a late twist involving Trent, in light of the Dutchman and Salah staying put.

The journalist said: “Now we wait to see whether this deal has any influence on Trent Alexander-Arnold. Obviously we’re not hearing the noises out of him [that] we did from Salah or Van Dijk.

There is that interest from Real Madrid but maybe the fact these two have signed new deals could influence him.”

Trent staying would seem like a huge surprise

While there’s always scope for huge surprises in football, we don’t think there’ll be a major curveball in the form of Trent sticking a proverbial two fingers up to Real Madrid and signing a new contract at Liverpool.

The right-back has resumed training this week after his recent injury, so even if he is to depart at the end of the season, he seems determined to play some part for his current club before saying his goodbyes.

Barring a drastic twist in the meantime, it’ll be interesting to see what reception he’d get at Anfield if he were to feature in our upcoming matches – a spate of posters erected near the stadium prior to the Merseyside derby a fortnight ago would suggest that he won’t be greeted with raucous acclaim if he plays for the Reds in the coming weeks.

If Trent were to turn around and agree a new contract at his boyhood club, that could go a long way towards a return to the adulation he’d been receiving until it became apparent that his heart is set on Real Madrid.

Should that happen, Liverpool would hold onto one of the best right-backs in world football. If he goes, then the retention of Salah and Van Dijk isn’t exactly a mere consolation prize.

Either way, it’s been a magnificent week for Kopites on and off the pitch – and the best should be yet to come in the form of an impending Premier League title party!

Trent Alexander-Arnold is the highest profile Liverpool player out of contract in the summer after Virgil van Dijk signed a new two-year deal.

Trent Alexander-Arnold was among the Liverpool players to show support for captain Virgil van Dijk after he signed a new two-year deal at Anfield. The England defender remains the final player yet to pen fresh terms amid uncertainty over his future at Anfield.

The 26-year-old has faced criticism for the manner in which his Reds deal has been allowed to get into the precarious position that it’s currently in. But with the new deals for Van Dijk this week and star forward Mohamed Salah ahead of the important win over West Ham United on Sunday, the speculation regarding the full-back increases with Real Madrid lurking.

Van Dijk will remain at Liverpool until 2027 after Thursday’s announcement put to bed an entire season of reports, rumours and concern over whether the skipper will continue under fellow Dutchman, Arne Slot.

But the 33-year-old’s extension underpins the prospect of further success with the former Feyenoord head coach in the driving seat.

Liverpool are just two wins away from winning the Premier League with Van Dijk facing the increasing possibility of becoming the first Dutchman to lift the trophy.

On Instagram, the Reds captain posted an emotional message that he was always hoping to remain at the club even though he had faced speculation over a move to Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid in previous months.

His Liverpool teammates were out in force as they celebrated the important piece of business orchestrated by sporting director Richard Hughes.

Curtis Jones was among the current crop of players to comment on the post while Alisson Becker, Conor Bradley, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexander-Arnold were just some of the stars to like the post.

Iconic Liverpool players Ian Rush, Robbie Fowler and Steven Gerrard celebrated the news in different ways via comments, likes or posts to their Instagram story.

For Van Dijk, he admitted that he was always looking to extend his stay at Anfield.

“I’m very happy, very proud,” he said.

“There are so many emotions obviously that go through my head right now speaking about it.

“It’s a proud feeling, it’s a feeling of joy. It’s just incredible. The journey I’ve had so far in my career, to be able to extend it with another two years at this club is amazing and I’m so happy.

“It was always Liverpool. That was the case. It was always in my head, it was always the plan and it was always Liverpool.

“There wasn’t any doubt in my head that this is the place to be for me and my family. I’m one of Liverpool.

“Someone called me the other day an adopted Scouser – I’m really proud to hear these things, it gives me a great feeling.”

Liverpool fans have been reacting on social media after seeing what Trent Alexander-Arnold did on the back of Virgil van Dijk’s contract announcement.

On Thursday morning, it was confirmed that Van Dijk had committed his future to Liverpool by signing a new two-year deal, ending months of speculation.

The 33-year-old followed in the footsteps of Mohamed Salah, who put pen to paper to extend his Anfield career last week.

Speaking after signing his new deal, Van Dijk explained: “It was always Liverpool. That was the case. It was always in my head, it was always the plan and it was always Liverpool.

“There wasn’t any doubt in my head that this is the place to be for me and my family. I’m one of Liverpool. Someone called me the other day an adopted Scouser – I’m really proud to hear these things, it gives me a great feeling.”

Now, all eyes are on Alexander-Arnold, whose contract will expire at the end of the season, and it has been widely claimed that he will be moving to Spanish giants Real Madrid on a free transfer.

However, eagle-eyed fans on social media have spotted that Alexander-Arnold has ‘liked’ Van Dijk’s post announcing his new Liverpool contract.

Reacting, one fan said: “Trent Alexander Arnold liking Virgil’s post on insta.”

Another tweeted: “It’s never too late.”

A third fan added: “Honestly, if Trent does a u-turn, I will be the hypocrite in the world. I’ll be declaring my love for that man just like I did before.”

Someone else wrote: “Stop a**ing around and sign it lad.”

https://x.com/ArneSlotArmy_/status/1912824713576931330?t=QJfbWcSLme0ASPTBCeBGZQ&s=19

Last week, Alexander-Arnold was also spotted liking Salah’s contract announcement post.

The Englishman has not played for Liverpool since they were knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint Germain last month.

However, with just six matches left of the Premier League season, it was reported on Wednesday that Alexander-Arnold has returned to training.

Liverpool are back in Premier League action this weekend when they take on Leicester City on Sunday afternoon.

Virgil van Dijk Liverpool captain salary has been revealed after he put pen to paper on a new contract.

After months of negotiations, it was confirmed on Thursday morning that Van Dijk had committed his future to Liverpool.

A club statement read: “Virgil van Dijk has today signed a new contract with Liverpool FC to extend his time with the club beyond the 2024-25 season.

“The captain put pen to paper on the deal to ensure his association with the Reds will continue into the forthcoming campaigns, almost seven-and-a-half years after he initially arrived at Anfield.”

Since joining from Southampton in January 2018 for what was a world record deal, Van Dijk has become an essential part of Liverpool’s recent history.

During his time at Anfield, the 33-year-old has so far made 314 appearances for Liverpool, winning eight trophies including both the Premier League and the Champions League.

Speaking about his new contract, the Liverpool captain said: “I’m very happy, very proud. There are so many emotions obviously that go through my head right now speaking about it.

“It’s a proud feeling, it’s a feeling of joy. It’s just incredible. The journey I’ve had so far in my career, to be able to extend it with another two years at this club is amazing and I’m so happy.”

As reported by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Van Dijk is set to earn £400,000 a week after signing a two-year extension.

Ornstein wrote on social media: “Virgil van Dijk signs new 2yr contract with Liverpool. No break/release clauses or pay cut so 33yo continues to earn salary believed to be ~£400kpw; thought to be Europe’s best-paid defender. Approaches from elsewhere but only wanted LFC.”

Premier League rival wanted to sign Van Dijk

Before putting pen to paper to extend his Anfield career, it has been claimed that a Premier League rival wanted to snap up the Dutch star.

As reported by the Daily Mail, Chelsea were one of the clubs interested in bringing Van Dijk in on a free transfer.

However, the feeling the Stamford Bridge club received was that he was going to commit to Liverpool.

Aside from Chelsea, French giants Paris Saint Germain were also said to be keen and Van Dijk was seen speaking to PSG officials after their Champions League clash.

As well as playing a key part in the club’s success in recent years, Van Dijk has also won several individual awards during his time with Liverpool.

Following his best season with the club in 2018/19, Van Dijk won both the UEFA Best Player and PFA Player of the Year awards.

The centre-back also finished second in the Ballon d’Or rankings in 2019, finishing just seven points behind Lionel Messi.

With the Dutchman’s future at the club sorted alongside Mohamed Salah, all eyes will now be on Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is set to leave the club in the summer if a new deal cannot be agreed upon.

Liverpool are in the home straight of the season and as we look for the final few points to seal the prize, it seems our squad will be bolstered further.

Taking to X, Vinny O’Connor reported: ‘Trent Alexander-Arnold and Darwin Nunez both training with Liverpool squad today. Still no Joe Gomez.’

The Sky Sports reporter is often inside the walls of the AXA Training Centre and seems to have been provided with an insight on our current injury situation.

Arne Slot confirmed that Darwin Nunez missed the game with West Ham through illness, something which is seemingly not going to see him sidelined for another week.

With Joe Gomez still sitting out, it’s looking like he’s going to be pushing for any minutes before the end of the campaign.

However, the Trent Alexander-Arnold update is perhaps the most interesting, due to the impact it could have.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury return would make headlines

A lot has happened since the right back last kicked a ball for the Reds, we’ve been eliminated from the Champions League, lost a cup final and now need just six points in the next six games for the title.

However, all this will likely play a backseat to the updates on his potential move to Real Madrid this summer.

The Scouser seems to have all but agreed a deal to move to Spain and we saw before the Merseyside derby that this hasn’t been well received by all supporters.

If the England international does make a playing return this weekend, or any time soon, then there may not be the warmest of welcomes awaiting him.

https://x.com/VinnOConnor/status/1912475821836562475?t=1xWeJpCzHVvzDoFQXYvfAg&s=19

Steven Gerrard Tipped for Southampton Role Amid Return Rumours to English Football

Two-and-a-half years after his sacking at Aston Villa, Steven Gerrard is being linked with a return to English football.

The former Liverpool captain has been out of work since January, when he left Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq after 18 months in charge. His tenure there drew criticism, particularly over his training schedules, and now a return to his home country could be on the cards.

Earlier this week, Southampton parted ways with Ivan Juric following confirmation of their relegation from the Premier League. Simon Rusk has taken interim charge for the second time this season, with veteran midfielder Adam Lallana serving as his assistant.

Gerrard Emerges as a Candidate for the Southampton Job

According to Birmingham World, Gerrard is reportedly “high up the list” of potential candidates as Southampton seek a new permanent manager.

Steve Cooper, who was let go by Leicester in November, is said to be the early favourite, with Sean Dyche also among the top contenders. Other names mentioned include former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, although his odds of landing the job are lower, with only a 9.1% probability.

Gerrard Seeking Redemption in England

Southampton are expected to delay appointing a permanent manager until the summer, as compensation for poaching a manager currently under contract would be lower for a Championship side than a Premier League club (The Athletic). For now, the club’s immediate goal is to secure the two points needed to avoid surpassing Derby County’s infamous 2007/08 record as the worst team in Premier League history.

If Gerrard does land the job at St Mary’s, he may benefit from the presence of his former Liverpool teammate, Adam Lallana, who could offer invaluable insights into the club—whether by staying on the coaching staff or simply providing informal advice.

Gerrard’s previous stint in English management was underwhelming. He was dismissed by Aston Villa in October 2022 with the club languishing in 17th place, despite high expectations following his successful spell with Rangers.

The remarkable transformation Villa underwent under his successor, Unai Emery, has only intensified scrutiny of Gerrard’s time there.

High Expectations Await at St Mary’s

Taking over at Southampton would be no easy task. The board and fans will expect nothing less than an immediate push for promotion and a stronger showing than what’s been witnessed this season—or during their previous relegation two years ago.

Still, if there’s one thing Gerrard has shown throughout his career, it’s that he thrives under pressure.

After disappointing spells at Villa and Al-Ettifaq, a successful stint at Southampton—or any other English club—could be just what he needs to rebuild his managerial reputation.

Jurgen Klopp stepped away from management last year and his future has been the subject of speculation ever since.

Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund legend Klopp surprised fans by taking a senior role with football’s most loathed multi-club ownership group.

The German joined Red Bull as its Head of Global Soccer and started work in January, but suggestions that Klopp is unhappy and burned out by the experience appear to be gathering pace.

It’s understood that Klopp has a release clause in his four-year Red Bull contract that would allow him to leave to become the manager of the German national team but he’s also linked with two of football’s biggest management jobs and open to the possibility of discussing them, according to reports.

While Klopp is tied into his Red Bull contract and any departure can be expected to prove difficult, stranger things have happened.

According to Bruno Andrade, a sports reporter for the Brazilian title UOL, sources close to Klopp believe he would be interested in becoming the manager of Brazil or, perhaps more realistically, taking Real Madrid up on their long-standing admiration.

“While the [Brazilian Football Confederation] is working hard behind the scenes with names like [Carlo] Ancelotti and Jorge Jesus for the position of coach of the Brazilian national team, Jurgen Klopp is finding himself increasingly worn out as global director of football at Red Bull,” reports UOL.

“And people close to him recently heard from him that he would accept leaving the position to go to two destinations: the Brazilian national team and Real Madrid.”

The situation at Red Bull is likely to factor heavily in what Klopp does next.

“There’s also the added factor that things aren’t going brilliantly at Red Bull,” reports talkSPORT today.

“Ahead of Klopp’s official start date of January 1, the organisation sacked his long-time Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders at Salzburg.

“The club had won ten straight Austrian Bundesliga titles from 2013 to 2023 but again look set to be pipped by Sturm Graz.

“Marco Rose of whom Klopp once said he ‘would trust with his life’ was sacked [by RB Leipzig] in March and the club are now in a battle to keep their top four status.”

Klopp has been linked with the manager’s job at Real Madrid for several years but Los Blancos are currently blessed with the leadership of one of the most respected and decorated figures in the game.

Should Ancelotti leave the club for the vacant Brazil role or any other, Klopp would undoubtedly be in the frame once more.

Liverpool came fairly close to agreeing a deal for Anthony Gordon last summer. But Newcastle found another transfer solution, and the winger made his thoughts clear.

Anthony Gordon injected a degree of excitement into the closing days of Liverpool’s transfer window. In what had been a quiet first summer for Arne Slot, the late possibility of signing the Newcastle winger kept interest high — but in the end, Gordon stayed put, ultimately making his feelings clear on a different move.

It meant that Slot ended his first transfer window with only Federico Chiesa added to the ranks, plus a deal in place to sign Giorgi Mamardashvili the following summer. There was a slight sense of anticlimax at Anfield.

This, of course, looks ridiculous in hindsight. Liverpool is on the verge of securing the Premier League title, and maintaining relative continuity of personnel from the Jurgen Klopp era now looks like a masterstroke.

Having said that, Gordon was undeniably an interesting proposition. For that matter, he still is.

A year on, Slot has had the chance to fully get to grips with his Liverpool squad. And even as the title comes into view, he might wonder if there is still room for improvement on the left wing.

The best word for Luis Diaz would be inconsistent. He’s been on a good run recently, which will skew perspectives heading into the summer, but the start of the year saw a run of seven matches out of nine without a goal contribution.

It’s a relatively similar story with Cody Gakpo. He had hit some fine form, but an injury in February has thrown him off-kilter, with his last goal involvement now more than two months ago.

In fairness, Gordon has had the same sort of campaign at Newcastle. His tally of six goals and six assists is no better than what the Liverpool duo have mustered.

Last season, however, he produced 11 goals and 15 assists. Liverpool may yet be tempted to gamble on that sort of output carrying over to Anfield, should Newcastle indicate a willigness to sell.

But that is far from guaranteed. After all, Gordon was only a potential option last summer because of Newcastle’s desperate scramble to get within Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

With time ticking down, it reluctantly countenanced interest in Gordon. But he had not long ago arrived from Everton, meaning his book value remained high — it would have taken an astronomical offer to actually fix Newcastle’s PSR issues, and that was not forthcoming from Liverpool.

There was the outline of a deal that would have seen Joe Gomez move the other way, although it’s unclear exactly how close that came to happening. In the end, Newcastle found another way to get out of the PSR hole.

Yankuba Minteh was sold to Brighton. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest came forward with a proposal for Elliot Anderson.

As an academy graduate, Anderson went down as pure profit on the books, making him a more natural PSR fix than Gordon. Newcastle parted ways reluctantly, but it was viewed as the favorable option.

“Gunna miss you lad,” was Gordon’s simple verdict on the transfer Newcastle had agreed, delivered in reply to Anderson’s farewell post on Instagram. And in a way, he has been proved right.

A recent wobble means that Nottingham Forest may well now finish below Newcastle. But both are favorites for a spot in the Champions League next season, with Anderson undoubtedly an important cog in Forest’s massive overachievement.

Even with Eddie Howe’s midfield in such fine shape, there’s little doubt he would prefer to still have Anderson. Gordon’s response when he left spoke volumes, and the perceived injustice of PSR still rankles on Tyneside.

The same goes for Minteh, who in time may prove to be the even bigger miss. He has five goals and four assists at Brighton this season, comparable numbers to Gordon in significantly fewer minutes.

Slot actually worked with Minteh at Feyenoord, where the winger spent last season on loan from Newcastle. He would be another credible summer target for Liverpool.

But with the manager hinting that the Reds could make a more major transfer market splash this time around, might Gordon come back onto the radar? Newcastle holds the cards this time, especially if it qualifies for the Champions League as expected — but if the chance does crop up, the Liverpool recruitment team is unlikely to let a slightly quieter campaign for the 24-year-old put them off.