Liverpool have put a plan in place to ensure that Jurgen Klopp and Virgil van Dijk extend their contracts, reports have suggested.
We understand that the Reds are hoping to ensure the long-term future of the club legends – while they expect the possible departure of Mohamed Salah to the Saudi Pro League in 2024.
Salah was the subject of a world-record bid from Al-Ittihad towards the end of the last transfer window, but their bid of £150million was rejected.
Bracing for his possible departure, Liverpool want commitment from Klopp and Van Dijk on their futures so they can start to plan an assault to end the dominance of Manchester City.
The Cityzens have won four of the last five Premier League titles, with Liverpool finishing fifth last season. The club have now set their sights on toppling Pep Guardiola’s men in the coming years and believe that securing Klopp and Van Dijk to contract extensions will be pivotal in doing that.
Klopp’s future is massively important because Liverpool are prepared to hand him money from the possible Salah deal as well as a sizeable amount on top for summer signings.
Van Dijk’s contract expires in 2025 and Liverpool hope to extend his deal amid his return to form. Sources have told us about a possible coaching role for the Dutchman in the future.
Klopp’s current contract with Liverpool is set to run until the summer of 2026, with an announcement made in April last year that he would extend his stay for a further two years.
It marked his third extension with the club since joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2015.
The German is considered one of the club’s greatest-ever coaches, having led them to their most successful spell in the Premier League era.