Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has responded to mounting questions about Mohamed Salah's future at the club, stating he "always" wants the star winger to stay at Anfield. This comes after Salah's recent contributions in Liverpool's 3-0 FA Cup victory over Brighton, where he both scored and assisted, highlighting his ongoing value to the team.
Salah's Contract Situation and Recent Form
Mohamed Salah has one further season remaining on his current contract with Liverpool, a detail that has fueled speculation about his long-term future at the club. In December, Salah cast doubt on his Merseyside stay with an explosive interview in which he accused Liverpool of breaking promises and "throwing him under the bus." This led to his omission from the squad for a Champions League match against Inter Milan.
However, relations have since been repaired, with Salah starting all seven games since his return from the Africa Cup of Nations. His goal against Brighton marked only his second in his last 13 appearances for Liverpool, but Van Dijk emphasized that Salah's impact extends far beyond scoring.
Van Dijk's Personal and Professional Support
Virgil van Dijk explained his stance, highlighting both personal and professional reasons for wanting Salah to remain. "I always want Mo to stay because I'm a good friend of him and we've been through the highs and not-so-highs – I don't want to call them lows - together for so many years," Van Dijk said. "The same as me, he's got one more year [on his current deal], so we will see."
Van Dijk underscored Salah's importance to the team, noting his leadership qualities and on-pitch presence. "I think Mo is still so important for us. Last week he had an assist again and broke another record and he is still the leader and important for me personally, as a captain, to have around and to have him on the pitch and his presence benefits the team," he added.
Looking Ahead to the Rest of the Season
With the season progressing, Van Dijk urged Salah to maintain focus and continue contributing in all aspects. "He always gives the team more than goals. There's obviously a lot of focus on his goals at the moment and that's also part of his life because he puts the standards so extremely high when he doesn't score as much he gets criticised," Van Dijk remarked.
He encouraged Salah to "stay calm and try to be important with everything he still can do and there is so much still he is important for us on and off the pitch." Van Dijk concluded by looking forward, stating, "Let's see for the rest of the season how important he still is and can be and the rest of the team will hopefully be successful but there is still a long way to go."
As Liverpool continues its campaign, the future of Mohamed Salah remains a key topic, with Van Dijk's public support adding a significant voice to the ongoing discussions about the winger's role and tenure at Anfield.
