Reliable journalist David Ornstein has suggested it’s just a matter of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’ we see Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk sign new contracts with Liverpool.
Both players are currently due to be out of contract in the summer, along with Trent Alexander-Arnold.
However, even if BBC Sport and others have reported on Alexander-Arnold looking set for a free transfer to Real Madrid, it seems more likely that Salah and Van Dijk will stay.
Ornstein says that the feeling throughout this saga has been that Salah and Van Dijk would eventually end up putting pen to paper on new deals.
It’s still been a bit nerve-racking for Liverpool fans due to this whole thing going on for so long, and it will probably remain so until it’s finally made official.
Still, Ornstein’s comments to NBC Sports will have to be seen as good news.
David Ornstein delivers good news to Liverpool fans
Discussing his latest information on Salah and Van Dijk, Ornstein said: “It’s been my understanding throughout that Liverpool are confident [and] optimistic of renewing Van Dijk, and now it’s a case of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’ he’ll put pen to paper, barring any last-minute hitches.
“The talks, the negotiations have been positive and cordial.
“It’s the same situation with Mohamed Salah. Liverpool have been confident throughout that they will retain his services.
“Like I said with Van Dijk, it’s more a case of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’ that is going to happen now, and that will be really good news for them.”
LFC will undoubtedly be weaker for losing Alexander-Arnold, but it’s vitally important to keep hold of Salah and Van Dijk after their superb performances this season.
The Reds remain clear favourites to win the Premier League title and it would have been a major rebuilding job for them if all three of Alexander-Arnold, Salah and Van Dijk had left in the same summer.