Liverpool has finally managed to secure the renewals of Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, who will stay at Anfield until 2027. Both players' contracts were set to expire at the end of this season, and therefore, since January, they could freely negotiate with any club. However, the 'red' team has managed to convince them to continue leading the project, something that seemed very complicated in recent weeks.
With these renewals, the Merseyside club strengthens the core of its squad with two of its most important pieces. Salah, the team's top scorer in recent seasons, and Van Dijk, the undisputed leader of the defense, will continue to be key figures with Arne Slot.
Liverpool Squeezes Its Wage Bill
Keeping two stars of this caliber hasn't been cheap. Both Salah and Van Dijk will receive significant salary increases. This financial effort has had direct consequences on Liverpool's sports planning for the next transfer market.
The club has decided that, after these renewals, it will make fewer signings than planned. Not only because of the financial burden of assuming these salaries, but also because with the continuity of Mohamed Salah and Van Dijk, the need to strengthen positions has decreased. The priority will be to maintain the core and make only specific adjustments.
The 'Reds' Move Away From One of Barça's Targets
In this regard, it seems that the signing of Alexander Isak is moving away for them. The 25-year-old Swedish forward was one of Liverpool's main targets to strengthen their attack.
However, as reported by 'El Nacional', Liverpool has officially ruled out his signing. The high cost of the operation, close to 150 million between transfer and variables, makes it unfeasible in the club's current context. The continuity of Salah, moreover, reduces the urgency to bring in a forward of that level.
The Club Maintains the Plan for 2026
This decision is, indirectly, excellent news for Barça. The blaugrana club has Alexander Isak as one of Joan Laporta's great dreams, but not for this market, but for the summer of 2026. Barça's idea is to keep Robert Lewandowski for one more season as the starting forward and prepare the ground for the Swede to be his natural replacement in the future.
That's why one of the main competitors for Isak withdrawing from the race is a reason for joy in Can Barça. Less competition means more room for maneuver, and in Barcelona, they're already taking note.