Liverpool great Mark Lawrenson believes Virgil van Dijk should be the player Arne Slot prioritises ahead of Mohamed Salah.
The Dutchman has confirmed he will head to Anfield as Jurgen Klopp’s replacement and has several major decisions to make as the club enter a new era. Van Dijk and Salah proved to be two of the most influential signings during the German’s tenure but both face uncertain futures.
The centre-half has his contract winding down whilst Salah, who clashed with Klopp in recent weeks, has been linked with a switch to Saudi Arabia. That move could yet materialise with Liverpool facing a big decision on whether or not they choose to cash in on the Egyptian.
Salah’s form has dipped in recent months and Lawrenson believes the club should be open minded when it comes to allowing their forward, who would command a hefty fee, to depart with Van Dijk’s immediate future far more important to their chances of success.
Arne Slot confirms he’ll become new Liverpool manager with announcement imminent
He told Paddy Power : “The first thing on the new Liverpool manager’s in-tray will be deciding whether Mo Salah will stay or go, and if he can get a new contract for Virgil van Dijk. If Salah does want to go, do it early – then you’ve got money coming in and you know what to look for.
“Van Dijk’s contract is a big issue. He’s such a top player, and he’s the first person you have to try and sort out – the rest will follow. Salah hasn’t been the same since AFCON – we’re all guessing that he might leave to play in the Middle East. Van Dijk’s contract might be more important to sort out.”
Van Dijk did fuel talk that he could follow Klopp out of Anfield in the immediate aftermath of the German’s exit announcement. The Dutchman later clarified his comments and maintained he was committed to the club heading into their new era.
