Arne Slot has made his feelings clear about Mohamed Salah’s contract situation and Wataru Endo has been given a confidence boost over his immediate future at Liverpool.
The January transfer window is fast approaching, allowing Liverpool head coach Arne Slot the opportunity to make alterations to his squad after a quiet summer.
Liverpool is still thriving in all competitions, losing just once all season following a shock 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at Anfield. Aside from that, the squad handed over to Slot by Jurgen Klopp has been exceeding expectations this season, and Liverpool is currently seven points clear in the Premier League title race.
The Reds are constantly linked with top talent from around Europe, but the current priority is keeping top stars Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk. All three players see their contracts expire at the end of the season, and Liverpool is yet to reach an agreement with either player over an extension.
It’s believed that Salah and Van Dijk are keen to stay, but so far have not received a proposal they’re satisfied with. Alexander-Arnold’s future is more uncertain with Real Madrid circling. Here Liverpool.com brings you the latest news surrounding Anfield.
Arne Slot makes plea to Mo Salah
Until now, Slot has been relatively quiet on contract talks and has been keen to let Liverpool handle negotiations accordingly. However, after Salah scored two goals in a 3-3 draw with Newcastle on Wednesday night, he made it clear that he wishes for the Egyptian winger to stay long-term.
Slot told Amazon Prime: “Every time we need Mo Salah he scores a goal. We are hoping and expecting he can continue this for a long time. He was outstanding in the second half, he did many special things for us.”
Salah spoke to journalists in the mixed zone after Liverpool beat Southampton last month and said: “Well, we are almost in December, and I haven’t received any offers yet to stay in the club. I’m probably more out than in.
“You know I have been in the club for many years. There is no club like this. But in the end, it is not in my hands.”
Wataru Endo reassured over Liverpool role
Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo has been used sparingly under Slot, registering just 20 minutes in the Premier League this season. The Japan international was an important squad member in Jurgen Klopp’s final season but is yet to see the game time he enjoyed last year.
Endo has been heavily linked with a move away from Liverpool, but Slot recently confirmed that he remains a key squad player as the Reds look to defend their seven-point lead in the league. After receiving a vote of confidence from Slot, Endo appreciated the head coach supporting him.
“It’s good that he came to me to talk about that. To play for Liverpool is not easy, so the manager told me that we needed everyone.”
“I’ve talked with him, he told me the same thing he said in that interview,” Endo said on ‘Red Machine – The Wataru Endo Podcast’. “So, I think that’s what I need to do at the moment, and I’m so grateful that he knows that I always try to work hard on the pitch.
