Arne Slot’s arrival as Liverpool manager has sparked a stellar season, yet questions loom over the futures of key players Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Liverpool, who face Real Madrid in a Champions League showdown on Wednesday, lead their group and sit eight points clear at the top of the Premier League. Slot’s side has flourished under his leadership, winning 16 of their 18 matches this season.
Mohamed Salah, now 32, has been vital, amassing 12 goals and 10 assists in all competitions. However, his recent comments following Sunday’s 3-2 victory over Southampton—where he scored twice—have fueled speculation about a potential exit. “I’m more out than in,” Salah cryptically remarked.
Adding to the uncertainty, Salah, Van Dijk, and Alexander-Arnold are all out of contract this summer. Talks over extensions have begun for Van Dijk, 33, while Real Madrid is reportedly eyeing Alexander-Arnold as their next marquee signing.
Rather than destabilising Liverpool, the contract uncertainties have seemingly motivated the team’s seasoned stars. Salah, for one, remains focused on the club’s ambitions.
“I’m just playing, focusing on the season and I’m trying to win the Premier League and hopefully the Champions League as well,” Salah said.
The Egyptian forward has a personal score to settle with Real Madrid, having suffered heartbreak against them in two Champions League finals—first in 2018, where an injury cut his match short, and later in 2022, thwarted by Thibaut Courtois’ heroics.
Now, Liverpool looks primed for revenge. Slot’s side is unbeaten in Europe this season, while Madrid, plagued by injuries and inconsistent form, have lost two of their four group-stage matches. Injuries to Vinícius Júnior, Dani Carvajal, and Éder Militão have added to Carlo Ancelotti’s woes.
Real Madrid’s visit is the first of two massive fixtures for Liverpool in just five days, with Premier League champions Manchester City coming to Anfield on Sunday. A win against City could give Slot’s men a decisive edge in the title race.
Yet, defeating Madrid remains a burning ambition for Liverpool fans and players alike. Slot is eager to succeed where Jürgen Klopp fell short in six attempts against the Spanish giants.
“We have incredible fixtures coming up,” said Slot. “They are two teams who have dominated football the last few years.”
As the futures of Salah, Van Dijk, and Alexander-Arnold remain unclear, Liverpool are thriving in the moment, fuelled by the prospect of one last golden season with their iconic trio.
