27 Jun 2024 10:16:33
Hi Eds. Are there any updates on the contract renewals for Virg, Trent or Mo?
There are reports of Saudi clubs circling for Virg after contract talks have stalled but surely talks with him and Trent are parked until they report back for pre season or at least until their involvement in the Euros is over?
{Ed002's Note - I am not aware on anything with the contracts but discussions for players between clubs and agents goes on year round, regardless of where they are.
Virgil van Dijk (CB) I am told that van Dijk's agents have said that had approaches from both Real Madrid and Barcelona. Real Madrid see VvD as a low cost solution in terms of transfer fee but need to make space in the wage structure. Barcelona offer an option but will need to agree sales first. At this point in time it will be very general enquiries only and I doubt either club will move for him. There is however interest from Michael Emanalo on behalf of Al-Nassr. Liverpool need to make a decision about a new contract as a matter of urgency but I would expect him to stay.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB/RWB/RM) Seen by Real Madrid as an option to Reece James. May offer an exchange for Rodrygo Goes or could try and persuade the player's agent to have their client run down his contract over the next year. Liverpool will not want that and will look to a renewal this summer, else he could be moved on.
Mo Salah (RW) His agent is hawking him around for one last big payday - Saudi Pro League with the support of Michael Emenalo would certainly seem the most likely destination with Al-Ittihad. Liverpool will look to try and do something to have him extend but his agent will look for a significant increase in salary and Salah has told Liverpool he wants to play in the Olympics and has told Egypt that he will be available for the Olympic Games in Paris, but as a non-FIFA tournament the club can stop him. His agent will also be encouraged to have Salah run down his contract over the next year at Liverpool in exchange for a huge signing on fee in the summer of 2025. Certainly now it is decision time.}
27 Jun 2024 11:08:26
Thanks Ed.
I personally hope they all sign extensions but if needs be I wouldn't be too upset to cash in on all 3 as long as we signed quality replacements.
My worry is that they might run down their contracts. I know it is not a new thing but it feels like it is becoming a bit of a problem. This looks to be Real Madrids main tactic at the moment. Nobody can honestly believe that they didn't have an agreement in place with Mbappe long before he ran his contract down and now (if reports are to be believed) they are looking to do the same with Trent and Yoro. I personally would like to see tribunal like we have for youth players in these situations or even better: annual player auctions for those whose contracts have expired where 80% goes to the previous club and 20% goes to grass roots in that country.
{Ed002's Note - I am afraid that is not possible to do.}
27 Jun 2024 13:00:06
Can’t risk those type of quality players leaving on a free
It should be seen as poor management by the club if it were to happen and surely a date needs to be set where they sign a new contract or are put up for sale.
27 Jun 2024 14:03:33
I agree. The problem is that you can't sell a player against their will. We could accept massive offer from Saudi but If Bellingham is convincing Trent to go to Real on a free next summer our hands are tied and we can do nothing to prevent one of our biggest assets walking out of the door for nothing.
27 Jun 2024 15:52:25
Probably no such thing in football but surely with Trent being a local lad you wouldn’t do that to your club? I understand if he wants to move away but I question if I was in his situation i would want my home town club to get as much money for me as possible. Surely clubs are getting peed off with RM if they are telling players to run down there contacts to move for free - I would understand if VVD or MS did it but it would be a little bitter if Trent did it with him being a scouser!
{Ed002's Note - It is not hust Real Madrid doing this.}
27 Jun 2024 16:07:03
Sorry Ed, I was just stating RM as that’s where Trent is being linked too and the reports I have seen with the likes of Mbappe and Yoro - I’m sure a lot of teams do this and know that LFC aren’t whiter than white - think I was just saying I would be disappointed if a local lad did this ??.
{Ed002's Note - They would accept some sort of deal this season if that is what Liverpool want. I suspect Liverpool want a new deal should know what to do.}
28 Jun 2024 09:23:34
Pretty sure Real initially agreed a free transfer for Mbappe years ago before he signed an extension (only for him to agree a massive increase in wages and signing on fee with PSG), then last summer bid something like £100-150m for him when he had a year left.
Why pay a rival club a huge fee when you can pay the player 50-80% of the fee as a signing on bonus once their contract runs out. Pretty sure most clubs engage in such behaviour.