Liverpool's contract offer to star defender falls short of expectations
Liverpool have offered a new contract to its captain, Virgil van Dijk. However, an agreement is yet to be reached as the initial offer fell short of the 33-year-old player's expectations. The development comes amid speculation surrounding the future of key players Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah, whose contracts are also set to be renewed at the end of June.
Van Dijk's current earnings and Liverpool's top earner
Van Dijk currently earns an estimated £220,000 per week, a figure much lower than Liverpool's highest-paid player, Salah. The Egyptian forward has set a club record with his weekly earnings of £350,000. Despite the financial disparity, Van Dijk remains a crucial asset to the team as evidenced by his stellar performance in Liverpool's recent 2-0 victory over Manchester City.
Liverpool's financial considerations and sustainability rules
Contract negotiations are usually a long-drawn affair, with clubs having to weigh their financials against the demands of players and their agents. Like all Premier League clubs, Liverpool also has to abide by profit and sustainability rules. There have been suggestions they may not be able to keep van Dijk, Salah, and Alexander-Arnold due to this. Despite this speculation, the club has remained calm on the matter.
Contract length could be a sticking point in negotiations
The contract length, not wages, could be the sticking point in negotiations with Van Dijk. Considering he is 33 years old, Liverpool may only want to hand their captain a two-year deal. This cautious approach isn't unusual among clubs who have struggled in the past with long-term contracts for star players whose performance levels may dip over time.
VVD's crunch Liverpool stats on offer
Van Dijk has played 288 times for the Reds in all competitions. He owns 25 goals and 10 assists. Notably, 210 of his appearances have come in the Premier League (G19 A7).
