Liverpool’s situation with Virgil van Dijk and other star players heading towards the end of their contracts has been described as a “big surprise” by former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson.
talking with Football InsiderBorson says he believes Liverpool can afford to keep Van Dijk, so this shouldn’t be a major issue when it comes to the Reds trying to tie down the Netherlands international to a new contract.
Borson admitted, however, that it could be more complicated if a Saudi Pro League club comes in with a mammoth contract offer that Liverpool can’t match.
Overall, it seems quite surprising that Liverpool have left themselves vulnerable to something like this, as Borson points out.
In addition to Van Dijk, LFC also have Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold a few months away from being free agents.
Liverpool’s contract situation ‘a big surprise’, says expert
“Liverpool can afford it (a new contract for Van Dijk),” Borson told Football Insider.
“Clearly, if Saudi Arabia want to make him a £1m-a-week offer to come in as a front-line signing, they won’t want to match that.
“But for a normal level of agreement, they can certainly afford to renew Van Dijk’s deal.
“It is surprising that they have allowed three great players to enter the last six months of their contracts.
“It’s a big surprise.”
Liverpool look at Murillo from Nottingham Forest as a possible defensive signing should they need to replace Van Dijk, but fans will surely hope that a new contract for the 33-year-old is a priority.
Despite his age, Van Dijk shows no signs of slowing down as he remains a crucial player for Arne Slot’s side, who have enjoyed an excellent start to the season despite being rocked by the move by Jurgen Klopp at the end of last season.
