Liverpool news: Slot gives update on star trio’s contracts as new signing gets ‘annoyed’ warning

Liverpool manager has been answering questions on Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk ahead of the Premier League game against Nottingham Forest

Liverpool are back in Premier League action after the two-week international break finally came to a close.

Arne Slot’s side host Nottingham Forest at Anfield in one of the day’s 3pm kick-offs. They will be hoping to continue their perfect start to life under the Dutchman’s management, having rattled off three straight wins without conceding so far in the Premier League.

While things are going nicely on the pitch, there are some other stories developing off it at Liverpool. Slot has been forced to field questions about the futures of Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk as their contracts tick down.

There’s lots to ponder, so allow Mirror Football to take you through the latest headlines from the club.

Slot not worried by contracts

Some managers might be concerned with three of their star players being in the final nine months of their contracts. But Slot insists that he is focusing on football and will leave those matters to others at Liverpool.

“Again, I’ll give the boring answer, which you’re going to get from me as long as there’s no news about this, but we don’t talk about contract situations over here,” he said in his pre-match press conference on Friday.

“Is it distracting? Is that the word you used for me? No, it isn’t because I’m fully focused on the individuals in the team and they’re part of the team. I’m just focused on trying to work with them in the best possible way to get the best out of them. So it’s not a distraction for me at all.”

Carragher warns Alexander-Arnold

Jamie Carragher thinks that Trent Alexander-Arnold is in a different position to Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah because he’s a local lad. The Reds defender has been linked with Real Madrid and is yet to commit himself to the cause.

“I’ve been thinking about this for a couple of weeks,” Carragher said on the Stick to Football podcast. “You’ve got three players – Van Dijk, Salah, and Trent – but when you’re a local player at Liverpool, leaving the club is not just a decision; it’s complicated.”

“If Van Dijk or Salah left on a free transfer, Liverpool fans would likely wish them well and appreciate their contributions. But with Trent, it would be different. The reaction would be much more intense.”

Klopp offers Chiesa lesson

Liverpool are yet to hand a debut to Federico Chiesa after he joined from Juventus in a deal worth £12.5million. The Italy international has been training with the team over the international break and could feature against Forest.

Slot will need to ensure that Chiesa integrates well – and there is a lesson there from ex-Liverpool winger Takumi Minamino. Jurgen Klopp signed Minamino in the January 2020 transfer window but was annoyed that his squad didn’t help the Japanese player to settle on Merseyside.

He left after contributing 14 goals in 55 games, but Klopp defended his signing. “I’m sure there will be those who think it didn’t quite work out (at Liverpool),” he said. “I don’t accept that. An amazing professional. A super talented player. As a person, he is full of warmth and makes everyone feel positive. A manager’s dream, to be honest.”

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read ourPrivacy Notice.

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.
Learn more

Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £216 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.

With Ultra HD included at no extra cost, football fans can enjoy the 2024/25 season with crystal clear picture quality.