According to reports, Virgil van Dijk is thinking about staying at Liverpool. Paul Merson has responded, discussing Arne Slot’s prospects in 2024–2025 in the event that the Dutch defender departs.
In the past few months, Liverpool has installed a permanent sporting director, hired a new head coach, and a new backroom staff. It seems that one thing it hasn’t done is sign any new players.
We joke, but some Reds supporters are unavoidably becoming upset by the team’s inaction in the market. Respectfully, Fulham’s summer signings are not a concern for Liverpool supporters; only one other Premier League team has yet to make its first acquisition of the window.
Though incomings draw the greatest attention, outgoings are also very significant. While some will bring in transfer money, their departure could also deplete the team. At the end of 2024–2025, the contracts of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk expire. Paul Merson, a football pundit, has expressed concern for Arne Slot, the incoming head coach, should his fellow Dutchman depart Liverpool before the start of the new season.
Van Dijk is allegedly “thinking about quitting” the Reds, according to rumors. Merson said that this would be the “end of” Liverpool’s prospects of winning the title in the upcoming season.
He was having a conversation on Football’s Greatest with Jeff Stelling. Stelling speculated that Virgil van Dijk’s desire for time to reflect on his future at the club and international levels may be the root of the problem. “Now, that would be a big blow if they [Liverpool] were to lose Van Dijk, who is in the last year of his contract,” he continued.
“Well, that’s it. Complete. Rolls-Royce. A defense fit for a Rolls-Royce. Fantastic defender—he’s a Rolls-Royce,” Merson remarked, drawing a parallel with his previous team, Arsenal.
“I would definitely argue that William Saliba, who played for Arsenal, was the best defender of the tournament (Euro 2024) if he lost. He was incredible, in my opinion; there was no chance. Not a chance. The manager faces this—just one minor issue of that magnitude, for example—and then all of a sudden you turn into a terrible manager while Mikel Arteta isn’t,” Merson continued.
