Premier League champions-elect Liverpool have been busy getting a pair of important contract extensions over the line and new transfers could be the next port of call
After seeing Mohamed Salah agree a contract extension, there’s been more good news for Liverpool this week. Virgil van Dijk has officially followed suit, ensuring the Reds won’t lose their captain at the end of the current campaign.
Arne Slot and his team can complete a perfect week by completing a league double over Leicester City on Sunday. If they win that game and rivals Arsenal lose to Ipswich then Slot’s men will be confirmed as Premier League champions with five games to spare.
With Salah and Van Dijk on board, and with top spot all but assured, Liverpool can get to work on adding more players to their squad as they plan next season’s title defence. They also have decisions to make on some squad players, with some likely to be on their way while others remain part of the picture.
Whatever happens next season, this year has been huge for new manager Slot. It may be for this reason that there has been talk of a managerial return for Jurgen Klopp, who has seen the squad he built at Anfield romp to glory under his successor.
While there’s been plenty of talk around Liverpool’s two big contract deals, that’s not the only area of conversation around Anfield. Here are Mirror Football‘s latest lines from the red half of Merseyside.
READ MORE: Liverpool fans turn on Trent Alexander-Arnold after Virgil van Dijk contract confirmedREAD MORE: Liverpool agree new contract for Arne Slot’s unsung hero after Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk deals
Van Dijk’s honest contract reaction
Virgil van Dijk insists a new Liverpool deal was always at the forefront of his mind. The centre-back, whose extension was announced on Thursday, took his time before ultimately agreeing new terms at Anfield.
“I’m very happy, very proud,” the captain 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.
“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.”
Isak told to reject Liverpool
Former Chelsea star Gus Poyet wants Alexander Isak to shun Liverpool and Arsenal and instead move to Stamford Bridge. Newcastle striker Isak is in high demand after another impressive season, but could yet reject all offers and remain at St James’ Park.
“I know him from his time at Real Sociedad and I know his characteristics, movement, and technical ability, and I think he’d be a good fit at Chelsea,” Poyet told Discasino. “I also think Nicolas Jackson needs competition up front – if you want to be the number 9 at Chelsea, you need to be better than how he’s currently performing.
‘Sometimes to get better you need more of a challenge – it didn’t work out with Christopher Nkunku up front, so Jackson needs someone else to try and push him. Isak can be that player.”
Klopp’s potential managerial return
Jurgen Klopp is becoming “increasingly worn out” in his new role with Red Bull, according to UOL. The former Liverpool boss joined the company as its head of global soccer in January, but has now been linked with a return to management.
Upon announcing his Liverpool exit in January 2024, Klopp indicated that he would never manage another Premier League club. Overseas or international jobs are a different matter, though, and there have been suggestions Real Madrid or Brazil might appeal.
Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is expected to leave following the team’s Champions League elimination at the hands of Arsenal. Brazil, meanwhile, have flattered to deceive in World Cup qualifying and were hammered 4-1 by Argentina last time out.
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