Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has delivered a powerful endorsement of Mohamed Salah's long-term future at Anfield, making it abundantly clear he wants the 33-year-old forward to remain beyond this season. Speaking after Liverpool's 3-0 FA Cup win over Brighton on February 14, 2026 — where Salah provided a goal and an assist — van Dijk emphasised the depth of their relationship and Salah's irreplaceable role in the squad. "I always want Mo to stay because I'm a good friend of him and we've been through the highs and not-so-highs together for so many years," van Dijk said. "Mo is still so important for us... he is still the leader and important for me personally, as a captain, to have around."
Salah's contract at Liverpool runs until June 2027, providing the club with two years of security but no long-term commitment from the player. His form this season has been typically prolific: 15 goals and 11 assists in 22 Premier League starts under Arne Slot, including a penalty and assist in the Brighton victory. Slot praised Salah's all-round contribution, noting his defensive work rate alongside the attacking output. Yet the forward's future has been a persistent undercurrent since a public spat with Slot in December 2025, when Salah accused the manager of "throwing him under the bus" during a brief dip in form. The incident was resolved privately, and speculation quietened in January, but Saudi Pro League clubs — particularly Al-Ittihad — continue to circle with offers that could dwarf his £400,000 weekly salary.
Van Dijk's Comments and Shared Legacy
Van Dijk's intervention carries weight as both captain and one of Salah's closest allies on the pitch. Their partnership has been instrumental in Liverpool's success, combining Salah's cutting edge with van Dijk's defensive assurance to anchor the team's attacking transitions. The Dutchman's words go beyond mere hope; they reflect a genuine belief in Salah's ongoing value at a time when the forward's age and the club's transition under Slot have invited questions about his role. Van Dijk's emphasis on leadership highlights Salah's evolution from goal poacher to senior figure, particularly in high-stakes matches where his experience guides younger talents like Luis Díaz and Cody Gakpo.
The timing of the comments is telling. With Liverpool pushing for a top-four finish and deeper Champions League run, van Dijk's public support serves as a stabilising force amid the Saudi noise. It also subtly pressures the hierarchy to accelerate extension talks, which have stalled since Salah's two-year renewal in 2025. The club have consistently stated Salah is not for sale, but the absence of a new deal leaves room for doubt, especially as Saudi clubs prepare a reported £150m bid package that includes bonuses and commercial incentives.
Market Reaction and Saudi Pull
Betting markets have shown limited movement following van Dijk's remarks, with Liverpool retention still the overwhelming favourite. Al-Ittihad's odds have shortened slightly, reflecting persistent interest, but the captain's endorsement has steadied sentiment. The latest Mohamed Salah next club odds indicate market confidence in a stay, though the Saudi option remains viable if talks falter. A £150m move would shatter transfer records for a player over 30, providing Liverpool with funds to reinvest in midfield and defence while allowing Salah to chase personal milestones in a less physically demanding league.
Salah's importance transcends numbers: his 15 goals this season account for over 30% of Liverpool's league tally, and his work rate off the ball has been crucial in Slot's high-pressing system. Van Dijk's comments underscore the intangible value — the "highs and not-so-highs" shared since 2018, including the 2019 Champions League triumph and the 2020 Premier League title. Losing Salah would disrupt that chemistry and force a major tactical adjustment, potentially costing Slot's fledgling regime dearly in the title race.
Contract Crossroads and Legacy Implications
The summer looms as a crossroads for Salah. Extend and cement his status as Liverpool legend, potentially breaking more records in a familiar environment; depart for Saudi Arabia and secure unprecedented financial reward in his final prime years. Van Dijk's plea adds emotional weight, but Salah's decision will hinge on sporting ambition and the direction of Slot's project. Liverpool must resolve this soon to focus on the pitch, where a top-four finish remains within reach. For Salah, the choice defines his legacy: stay and chase collective glory, or exit as one of the club's greatest while building personal wealth. Either way, van Dijk's words remind us of the human element in transfers — friendships forged in triumph that transcend contractual lines.