Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes Virgil van Dijk will sign his new contract this week, saying he feels the club have delayed his announcement so it didn’t clash with Mohamed Salah‘s. Supporters were given a huge boost last week after the Egyptian finally put pen to paper a new two-year contract extension at Anfield, ending months of speculation over his future.
Salah had been part of a key trio whose contracts were ending this summer, including Van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold – who looks to be heading to Real Madrid.
However, there has been optimism over Van Dijk’s future and the Dutchman himself teased the possibility of a new deal by promising there would be news on his future “soon”.
When asked about Van Dijk’s situation, Carragher gave his theory that Van Dijk didn’t want to “steal the thunder” of Salah and he feels the veteran centre-back will have his “moment” in the coming week.
“Listen, I think there may be some news on Virgil van Dijk next week,” Carragher told Sky Sports before Liverpool’s clash with West Ham on Sunday. “I think the fact the Mo Salah news came out, maybe not trying to do two players on one day.
“Maybe not trying to steal the thunder of either of the players, Virgil van Dijk or Mo Salah. I think Mo Salah had his moment a few days ago and I’m sure that will be the case with Virgil van Dijk next week.”
Salah is enjoying arguably his best season in a Liverpool shirt after firing in 32 goals in all competitions, including 27 in the Premier League, helping the club go ten points clear of Arsenal in the title race.
Carragher believes Salah’s new deal will lift the club not only in terms of their fortunes on the pitch, but also in helping them attract new players in the summer.
‘”It’s not just Liverpool players now, probably more for future Liverpool players, maybe players Liverpool are looking to tout in the summer,” he added.
“The manager mentioned that in his press conference. When you’re speaking to players and their agents over these next few months, it’s always helpful to say that Mohamed Salah’s staying next season. So I think not just the players inside the club but also players Liverpool will acquire in the summer.”
There were fears Salah could join the Saudi Pro League this summer as his contract continued to wind down with no progress on talks earlier this year – and the Egyptian was adamant that it would be his “last season” at Anfield before a breakthrough in talks.
Speaking after the huge contract announcement, he said: “Of course I’m very excited – we have a great team now. Before we also had a great team. But I signed because I think we have a chance to win other trophies and enjoy my football.
“I have played eight years here, hopefully it’s going to be 10. I’m enjoying my life here, enjoying my football. I have had the best years of my career here.”
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