Liverpool recently confirmed that star attacker Mohamed Salah has put pen to paper on a new two-year contract with the club to extend his stay at Anfield beyond the summer.
His old deal was due to expire at the end of the current season, which would have made him a free agent ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, but the Reds will have Salah running down the wing again next term.
That should come as a huge relief to the Anfield supporters because he has scored 243 goals for the club to date, including 27 goals in the Premier League so far this term.
The Egypt international consistently carries a big threat at the top end of the pitch, and his decision to extend his contract will come as a big boost for Arne Slot, who will be able to call upon his services on the right flank again next season.
Salah is not the only key Liverpool star who has decided to remain at Anfield, though, as Virgil van Dijk has reportedly agreed a two-year contract extension, although that has yet to be officially confirmed by the club.
Why keeping Virgil van Dijk is a big boost for Liverpool
Keeping the Netherlands international beyond the summer, when his deal is currently due to expire, is set to be a big boost for the club when it is made official.
The former Southampton defender is on the verge of winning his second Premier League title with the Reds, and his first whilst wearing the captain’s armband.
Van Dijk has played every single minute of the current league season for the Reds, starting all 32 of their matches, and has been a rock at the heart of the defence.
Liverpool have kept 13 clean sheets and conceded 31 goals – the second-lowest tally in the division – in that time, thanks to his exceptional performances at centre-back.
Starts
32
Pass accuracy
92%
Clean sheets
13
Tackles + interceptions per game
2.7
Clearances per game
5.2
Ground duel success rate
61%
Aerial duel success rate
70%
As you can see in the table above, Van Dijk has dominated opposition attackers in duels on the ground and in the air, whilst being incredibly reliable with the ball at his feet.
The Dutch defender, who scored the winning goal in their clash with West Ham United at Anfield last weekend, has been a consistent and brilliant performer at centre-back, playing a pivotal role in their soon-to-be title success.
This is why keeping the defender at the club is set to be a big boost for Liverpool and Klopp, particularly as he is now at an age – 33 – where it is all about his performances, rather than any sell-on value.
At the time of writing (17/04/2025), Transfermarkt have Van Dijk’s market value at roughly £23.9m, which is even less than they reportedly want for one of their young talents this summer.
The latest on Jarell Quansah's Liverpool future
According to CaughtOffside, there are six clubs interested in a deal to sign Jarell Quansah from Liverpool in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The report claims that Newcastle United have a long-standing interest in the England U21 international and that they are one of the six clubs eyeing him up.
It states that Everton, Bournemouth, and Brentford are among the other Premier League teams keen on the versatile defender, who can play at right-back or centre-back.
CaughtOffside adds that there is also interest from abroad in the young starlet, as Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen could emerge as suitors for him.
The outlet also reveals that Liverpool would be willing to listen to offers for the academy graduate if any teams come in with bids worth around £30m, but it remains to be seen whether or not any of the aforementioned clubs are prepared to meet their demands.
This latest report shows that the Reds have hit the jackpot on Quansah, who is now worth even more than club captain and leading centre-back Van Dijk.
Why Liverpool should sell Jarrel Quansah
The central defender has been at Liverpool since the age of five, with this year marking 15 years at the club, and this means that they did not have to spend a penny to land the talented youngster.
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He was not an expensive signing at academy or first-team level who has come into the senior set-up with expectations or potential that has to be fulfilled to live up to a price tag.
Quansah, instead, rose through the ranks as a homegrown prospect and enjoyed a loan spell at Bristol Rovers before his emergence in the squad under Jurgen Klopp last term.
As shown in the clips above, the English colossus showcased his qualities in and out of possession in his debut campaign to earn himself a senior England call-up last year.
The 22-year-old ace, who was described as a “monster” by scout Jacek Kulig last term, has failed to kick on after his promising performances in the 2023/24 season, though, as he has struggled for game time under Slot.
Appearances
17
11
Goals
2
0
Tackles + interceptions per game
2.5
1.4
Clearances per game
2.3
1.3
Ground duel success rate
60%
50%
Aerial duel success rate
67%
39%
As you can see in the table above, Quansah has played fewer matches, completed fewer defensive actions, and been weaker in duels on the floor and in the air in the Premier League this season compared to last.
Instead of developing and improving with age, it appears as though the English defender has regressed, or stagnated at best, under the Dutch head coach.
This suggests that now could be the right time for Liverpool to cash in on the 22-year-old, who is now valued at £30m, as this could be the peak of his value.
The Reds could run the risk of his form continuing to regress, resulting in his value dropping, if they do not decide to make the most of the current interest in his services from teams across Europe, which is why they should move on from him this summer.
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