Liverpool prepared to let key players leave on free transfers
Liverpool chairman Tom Werner has disclosed that the club was willing to allow Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk to depart on free transfers if contract negotiations had faltered last summer, asserting that Liverpool would not compromise its financial principles during discussions, reports BritPanorama.
Both players entered the final year of their contracts before ultimately signing extensions at the conclusion of last season, following an extended negotiation period that persisted well into a title-winning campaign.
Werner, in an extract from *Walk On: Inside Arne Slot’s Liverpool* by journalist James Pearce, explained that Fenway Sports Group was prepared to walk away if the figures did not align. The chairman acknowledged the adept handling of negotiations by sporting director Richard Hughes, noting his calm demeanour in high-stakes discussions.
“My impatience is balanced by his patience,” Werner said. “I’d call him frequently and say, ‘Richard, how are things going with Mo Salah and his contract?’ and he would respond, ‘Tom, it will all be good in the end.’” Werner praised Hughes for his respectful approach in dealing with both agents and players.
While Liverpool celebrated securing new deals for Salah and Van Dijk, the chairman indicated that the club would have supported Hughes if the negotiations had fallen through. “If Richard had called and said, ‘The chasm is too big,’ I would have respected that too,” he stated. “We don’t meddle; we just provide support and advice from our point of view. There’s a lot of trust.”
The decision to renew contracts for the two players, who are now in their mid-30s, was met with general approval from fans, acknowledging them as pivotal figures in Liverpool’s contemporary success. However, the club’s struggles this season have ignited discussions about the wisdom of tying these players down for the long term.
Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney was particularly vocal last month, arguing that both players failed to exhibit the expected leadership during a challenging title defence. Speaking on *The Wayne Rooney Show* following a 3–1 defeat to Brentford, Rooney remarked, “They’ve signed new deals but I don’t think they’ve really led that team this season.”
Rooney further highlighted that the body language of senior players can significantly influence the squad’s morale, adding, “If their body language is not right, that affects everyone else.”
Amid scrutiny, Salah’s performance has been closely evaluated, especially given his remarkable figures last year, where he netted 34 goals and provided 23 assists in all competitions. Criticism has also emerged from Germany, where *Bild* suggested that Salah’s individualist playing style might be hindering new signing Florian Wirtz’s integration into the squad.
The publication noted, “Salah has provided three assists this season… all for players who have been with the club longer.” Wirtz is currently seeking his first contribution in the Premier League after 11 matches, while Salah has contributed four goals and two assists in the same timeframe.
Liverpool will be eager for both players to regain their form as they attempt to rectify a campaign that has not met expectations thus far. Their next challenge comes against Nottingham Forest on Saturday at 3pm.
