Arne Slot confirmed on Friday that he will replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool next season, and Mark Lawrenson believes the incoming manager needs to prioritise Virgil van Dijk's contract situation over that of Mohamed Salah.
Both Van Dijk and Salah have one more season remaining in their current deals, but longtime former Liverpool defender Lawrenson has urged Slot to extend Van Dijk's contract as his top piece of business.
Speaking to Paddy Power, Lawrenson explained why Van Dijk's situation should take precedence over Salah.
“The first thing on the new Liverpool manager’s in-tray will be deciding whether Mo Salah will stay or go, and if he can get a new contract for Virgil van Dijk," Lawrenson said.
"If Salah does want to go, do it early – then you’ve got money coming in and you know what to look for. Van Dijk’s contract is a big issue. He's such a top player, and he’s the first person you have to try and sort out – the rest will follow.
“Salah hasn’t been the same since AFCON – we're all guessing that he might leave to play in the Middle East. Van Dijk’s contract might be more important to sort out.”
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