Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge has admitted he’s worried about Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah’s form as uncertainty continues over their futures.
As things stand, both will become free agents in the summer as their contracts expire. Trent Alexander-Arnold is also in the same boat, although the right-back looks to be nearing a move to Real Madrid.
What’s in store for Van Dijk and Salah is still unknown, although there may be an answer on the former soon, with the Reds captain revealing there has been “progress” on his discussions with the club. What’s more, he has hinted that an announcement will be made in the coming weeks.
What may be of more concern to Liverpool boss Arne Slot at the moment is the pair’s form on the pitch, with the Reds’ title charge stalling at Fulham on Sunday. The 3-2 loss was their third defeat in the last four games across all competitions – a run that has seen their treble hopes come to an end.
Van Dijk and Salah had days to forget at Craven Cottage, with the latter in particular having suffered a dip in form after what had been a sensational season. The Egyptian has not added to his 32 goals or 22 assists in the last four games, which has clearly had an effect on the Reds as they’ve struggled to reach their usual heights.
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Writing in his column for the Liverpool Echo, Aldridge admitted to being concerned about the duo’s recent form and what that could mean for their futures.
“Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk’s form in the last few games has been worrying,” Aldridge said. “I wouldn’t know if it’s anything to do with their contract situations.
“We don’t know what’s been said between the club and them. For all we know, there could be an agreement and a handshake somewhere.
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“The way the owners have done these deals is completely different to how it was in my day, letting these contracts run out. It’s a different mindset now from a business sense.
“It shouldn’t be playing on their minds, though. If they are going to move on, they need to see the season out in really good form to show people who want them what they can do.
“Not that they’ve lost their mojo, far from it. I’m not saying they are finished by any means, but clubs could turn around and say that to them. So they’ve got to play to the best of their abilities, either to earn a contract with us or attract suitors elsewhere.”
