Liverpool fans face an uncertain few weeks with regards to the futures of three of their best players.
Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk are all out of contract at the end of the season.
Liverpool have been trying to agree new deals with all three players, but a breakthrough is yet to happen.
Now, David Ornstein has shared what he knows about Salah’s future at this moment in time after being asked about the situation by a fan.
The Athletic journalist also gave his verdict on whether Liverpool’s recent Champions League elimination and Carabao Cup final loss could have any bearing on his decision.
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David Ornstein says Liverpool have been optimistic about Mohamed Salah contract situation for some time
Ornstein was asked on The Athletic whether he was aware of any advancement in talks to extend Salah’s contract, or alternatively for a move elsewhere.
“I just know Liverpool have been optimistic for some time that they will reach an agreement,” he said.
“Because, ultimately, they want Salah to stay and there is a belief that he is happy and would like the same.
“Now, of course, the numbers will need to be right (on what we think is a proposed two-year extension) and clearly that has not been easy… but there has so far been nothing to indicate talks have stopped or are not moving in a positive direction.
“Furthermore, when you make checks on rumours/reports/suggestions that Salah might be set for a move to the Saudi Pro League or Paris Saint-Germain, for example, you tend to receive pretty immediate and firm denials.”
Ornstein then said he didn’t feel that Liverpool’s recent cup eliminations will have any effect on contract talks between the Reds and the three players.
“I also don’t sense the Champions League and EFL Cup final defeats will have any bearing on the outcome or timings,” he said. “The same, I suspect, with Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold.”
What is the latest involving Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk?
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey previously confirmed Alexander-Arnold has already made up his mind about a move to Real Madrid and that the Anfield hierarchy are aware of his situation.
Publicly, Liverpool’s record breaking offer to Alexander-Arnold remains on the table, but privately they have long accepted that he is leaving Merseyside this summer.
As for Salah and Van Dijk, TBR Football understands fresh talks are due to take place over the coming weeks and Liverpool are hopeful of an agreement being reached with Salah and Van Dijk.
It’s an unusual situation for any top club to be in, and it hasn’t come without criticism from fans and pundits.
For instance, Paul Merson has criticised Liverpool for allowing Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk and Salah to enter the last six months of their respective contracts at Anfield.
