Liverpool fans have reason to celebrate as two of the club’s iconic figures, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, have committed their futures to the team. The club confirmed on Friday that Salah has signed a new contract, with Van Dijk set to follow shortly. Both players are now expected to remain at Anfield until 2027.
The extensions are a major boost for new manager Arne Slot, whose side is on the verge of securing the Premier League title in his debut season. Salah and Van Dijk have been instrumental throughout the campaign, with Salah in particular delivering one of his finest seasons in England.
However, Liverpool must tread carefully. While retaining top talent is crucial, Manchester City’s recent downfall offers a cautionary tale. Once a dominant force, City’s decline this season has been linked to an aging core, including Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, and Bernardo Silva. Injuries and diminishing returns have left Pep Guardiola’s side struggling for Champions League qualification.
The parallels are concerning. Van Dijk is now 33, Salah 32—similar in age to De Bruyne, whose once-unrivaled creative output has plummeted. Though Salah has avoided the injury woes that plagued the Belgian, football history is filled with examples of elite players declining rapidly.
Liverpool, then, must act with foresight. While tying down their legends was essential, sporting director Richard Hughes must now focus on squad evolution. Succession planning is vital. The Reds cannot afford to rely solely on Salah for goals, nor can they risk being caught with a team aging in unison.
Andy Robertson may be among the first to make way, and underperforming players like Luis Díaz and Diogo Jota—both approaching 30—could also face uncertain futures. Thankfully, Liverpool’s midfield was revamped in 2023, offering some stability.
With Federico Chiesa the only major arrival last summer and a deal for goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili already in motion, the groundwork is there. But to avoid City’s fate, Liverpool must act decisively to build a squad ready for the post-Salah and Van Dijk era.