Danny Murphy is optimistic that at least one of Virgil van Dijk or Mohamed Salah will remain at Liverpool beyond this season.

Both players are now in the final three months of their contracts, yet no agreement has been reached to extend their time at Anfield. Their futures have become a major talking point, alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold’s expected departure to Real Madrid on a free transfer.

On the pitch, however, contract uncertainty has not distracted Liverpool, who currently lead the Premier League title race and are on the verge of securing a record-equalling 20th league championship. Given the performances of Van Dijk and Salah, one could easily assume they are committed to the club for years to come.

Contract Uncertainty as Talks Stall

Despite their influence on the team, both Van Dijk and Salah could leave if a new deal is not agreed in the coming weeks. With Alexander-Arnold also set to depart, Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), have placed themselves in a difficult position regarding player contracts.

However, former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy remains optimistic about Van Dijk’s future, although he is less certain about Salah’s situation.

“I’ve got a good feeling Virgil will stay,” Murphy said with a wry smile on talkSPORT’s YouTube show, Inside Liverpool.

“I don’t know anything for sure, but I’ve heard enough positive things from people I trust.

“I’m not so sure about Mo. I’d be less confident on that one.”

Age and Wages a Key Factor in Liverpool’s Deliberations

Liverpool’s hesitation in renewing their star duo’s contracts primarily comes down to age and wage demands.

Although both players remain at the peak of their powers, Salah will turn 33 in June, while Van Dijk celebrates his 34th birthday a month later. Their salary expectations are unclear, but Liverpool’s ownership, led by John W. Henry, is unlikely to make financial decisions based on sentiment.

At the same time, Van Dijk and Salah must consider their own futures, with both players attracting significant interest should they leave Anfield.

Salah has long been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, particularly after Liverpool rejected a lucrative offer from the Middle East last summer. Meanwhile, Van Dijk is reportedly drawing interest from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

Liverpool Facing a Defining Summer

With both players still performing at an elite level, few would expect any decline in their standards next season—regardless of the club they represent.

Liverpool have previously adapted after losing star players, including Philippe Coutinho, Luis Suárez, Fernando Torres, and Michael Owen, all of whom left at the peak of their careers. However, the potential departure of Van Dijk, Salah, and Alexander-Arnold in a single summer could deal a significant blow to the club’s Premier League title defence next season.