Arne Slot hopes duo will follow Mohamed Salah’s lead to stay at Liverpool

LONDON – With Mohamed Salah’s future now secured at Liverpool, manager Arne Slot is turning his attention to locking down the long-term commitments of defensive stalwarts Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

This strategic move aims to bolster the team’s stability and propel the English Premier League leaders toward a triumphant finish to the season.

The enthusiasm over Salah’s contract renewal is paralleled by growing anticipation about van Dijk’s future, as the captain is expected to commit to a new deal.

Simultaneously, speculation continues to surround Alexander-Arnold, who remains linked to a potential transfer to Real Madrid.

“If you want to sign players or keep players, it is always a positive one of our star players has made the choice to extend,” Slot told a press conference ahead of their league home game against West Ham United on April 13.

“In general, people see me as relaxed and that has all to do with the trust I have in the quality of the players and the quality of leadership in (club owners) FSG (Fenway Sports Group). That is why I am indeed calm.

“They will do what is best for the club. If that is extending, then it is. If not, they will find a solution.

“I have also spoken to Mo and followed the process. It gave me confidence. Sorting them before the end of the season would be useful.”

Salah’s contract extension has also given the squad a lift, said left-back Andy Robertson.

He said on the club website: “The fact he’s signing a new deal is pleasing for everyone in the club. I think everyone will be happy with it, no more so than Mo. I’ve just walked by him there and he has a big smile on his face. Hopefully that can continue.

“As his friend, I’m delighted for him. But as a player, I’m delighted that he’s here to stay.”

Slot added that Salah’s decision proved that the Egyptian believes the club can compete for more trophies as they close in on the Premier League title this season.

“He has always been judged as a player, but I also see him as a human being and he is humble, works hard and puts so much effort into becoming the player he is. He keeps up that effort every single day,” Slot said.

“Salah can score goals if he is not in the best half-hour or 15 minutes and that is why he is mentally so strong... apart from the other things, that is probably what stands out for me...

“What it might tell you is that it is not only a good season now, we want more next season and Mo is convinced we can do so. So that is positive for us.”

Slot confirmed goalkeeper Alisson Becker is available to face West Ham after undergoing concussion protocols following a head injury on international duty with Brazil.

The Dutchman also said Conor Bradley, who returned from injury in last weekend’s 3-2 defeat by Fulham, is in contention to start at right-back.

With Bradley and first-choice right-back Alexander-Arnold both injured, Slot had to come up with different solutions, with midfielder Curtis Jones deployed in that position against Fulham.

“Of course, it’s always a boost when quality players come back. Especially quality players in that position, because Curtis Jones is a quality player, but it’s not his favourite position,” he said.

“So to have a player in his favourite position... might be better for the team. And Conor has done so well for us this season, just like Trent (Alexander-Arnold). But when Trent then isn’t there, you always hope to look behind you and see that Conor is available.”

West Ham, who are on a four-game winless run, are still without Michail Antonio, Aaron Cresswell, and Crysencio Summerville.

Manager Graham Potter has urged his men to be “the best versions of themselves” as they face the Reds, who will be keen to get back to winning ways.

The Hammers have lost their last nine away games against Liverpool in all competitions, a statistic well-noted by their manager.

Potter said: “They lost their last game, but they won their previous four in the Premier League...

“We know recent results at Anfield haven’t been good, but we have to adjust and make sure that fragility isn’t there.” REUTERS