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In a shocking turn of events, Liverpool, who were favorites, were knocked out of the Round of 16 of the Champions League in a penalty shoot-out by French giants PSG. Although the Premier League title looks done and dusted for the Anfield side, the club and newly-appointed manager Arne Slot will have another important task to be done before this season ends, and that is sorting out the future of some key players like Virgil Van Dijk and Mohammed Salah at the club, both of whom will be free agents soon. As the current contract for both of the players ends in June 2025, there isn’t any clarity on whether these players will renew their contracts at Liverpool or look for a change of scenery in the summer. Amongst all this, Van Dijk has recently commented about his future with The Reds.
The Dutch defender said, “As long as I am calm, there is no need to panic, whatever may happen in the future.” He also added, “If I was worried you would see me playing a little bit worried, that is not the case,” as reported by Fabrizio Romano. Van Dijk issued these statements amongst all the rumours surrounding his future at the club after their shock exit from the UCL.
First silverware incoming for Arne Slot with Liverpool?
The center-back who joined Liverpool in 2018 from Southampton has since played 310 games for The Reds. He has established himself as the mainstay center back for Liverpool due to his rock-solid defensive abilities and has also been the captain of the club for a long time. Even at the age of 33, the Dutchman doesn’t seem to have lost his touch and remains equally solid in the Liverpool backline. It will be interesting to see how this contract saga ends as he is a crucial figure in Liverpool’s current squad.
Arne Slot, who must be disappointed after his club’s recent defeat in the Champions League, will have his eyes on the first piece of silverware with the club as he takes on Newcastle on Sunday in the EFL Cup final.
