Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been compelled to respond to ongoing transfer rumors regarding key players Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, just ahead of the highly anticipated Merseyside Derby.
The buildup to the second Merseyside Derby of the season has been overshadowed by speculation about the futures of Salah, Alexander-Arnold, and Virgil van Dijk. All three players are set to see their contracts expire on June 30, and none have publicly committed to remaining with the club. Among them, Van Dijk appears most likely to stay, while Alexander-Arnold is rumored to be a target for Real Madrid.
With transfer discussions intensifying, Slot spoke to reporters about the impact of these rumors on the team. He emphasized the need to focus on the upcoming match against Everton, stating:
“It is a situation that has been present for eight or nine months now. All three players have performed exceptionally well under these circumstances, so it doesn’t affect me at all.”
Salah is currently enjoying one of his best seasons with Liverpool, contributing significantly to the team’s pursuit of the Premier League title. However, his future remains uncertain, with reports suggesting that he is still open to lucrative offers, including a potential move to Saudi Arabia. Last summer, he was the subject of a substantial £150 million bid from Al-Ittihad, and clubs from the Middle East are reportedly confident that he remains receptive to such offers.
On the other hand, Alexander-Arnold’s potential move to Real Madrid has been described as a “done deal,” with the right-back expected to sign a five-year contract upon the expiration of his current deal. However, Wayne Rooney has advised caution, recalling his own experience with transfer speculation. He expressed that just because discussions are taking place does not guarantee a transfer will happen.
With the Merseyside Derby approaching, and as Liverpool strives for victory, the focus remains on the pitch amid the swirling transfer narratives surrounding some of their star players. As Slot prepares his team, the resolution of these contract situations will be a critical aspect to keep an eye on in the coming months.