Peter Crouch has expressed a differing opinion to Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler regarding the ongoing contract saga involving Reds’ stars Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Fowler had previously asserted that both Van Dijk and Salah have already signed extensions at Anfield, while the England defender continues to be linked with a move to Real Madrid.
Despite the lingering uncertainty over the futures of these three pivotal players, Liverpool maintains its position at the top of the Premier League with a comfortable 15-point lead and could secure the first piece of domestic silverware with a victory over Newcastle United at Wembley on Sunday.
The contracts of the Liverpool trio are all set to expire in the summer, with Alexander-Arnold drawing attention from Spain and the futures of Van Dijk and Salah still up in the air despite their public statements expressing a desire to stay at Anfield. Given the Reds’ impressive form, as well as the standout performances from the two senior figures in the dressing room, it has been suggested that agreements have already been reached.
Both Salah and Van Dijk have remained tight-lipped about what the future holds for their Liverpool careers. The Egyptian has steadfastly maintained that no progress has been made, while the Liverpool captain was candid in his latest update following their Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain.
Crouch expressed skepticism about the rumors, explaining the challenges of keeping such contract extensions secret amidst intense media scrutiny. He commented: “I want to touch on the rumors that Van Dijk and Salah potentially signing a deal, maybe not Trent. There’s a lot of rumors that they’ve agreed and don’t want to announce it. That’s the rumor (Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid), there’s more chance of Salah and Van Dijk staying.
(Image: Peter Crouch Podcast/YouTube)
“It might be difficult towards the end of the season because it’s obvious that he’s leaving, I don’t know. If it’s a done deal you announce, you don’t keep it a secret especially in a city like Liverpool where everyone is keen to know. If you’ve signed a contract, there’s no chance that you keep it (secret).”
Fowler, during a recent punditry stint, suggested that both Van Dijk and Salah may have already signed new deals but are holding back announcements due to the ongoing speculation about Alexander-Arnold, fearing it could disrupt their chances for silverware this season.
“Yeah. I have no inside information by any means – but it is just my opinion,” stated the legendary striker. “But if two of them were to come out and say they had signed, then it puts the other players in a really bad position. That could ruin the atmosphere of the whole stadium having a go at the one player.
“I don’t know if it is true. I want the three of them to sign. Because the three of them are magnificent players. And a club like Liverpool you are playing on these fantastic nights. These all deserve to be watching these brilliant players. But we just don’t know.”
