First January deal confirmed as Virgil van Dijk speaks out on contracts
Liverpool are trying to tie down Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold to new contracts during the January transfer window and have confirmed their first deal of the month

Liverpool have a clear priority in the January transfer window – and it is very different to some of their Premier League rivals.

While some of their closest rivals need to strengthen their squads by bringing in new players, the Reds are focused on keeping what they already have. That means getting new contracts signed for Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The star trio’s current deals expire at the end of June and they are therefore allowed to speak with foreign clubs about the possibility of a free transfer in the summer. That isn’t an issue for Salah and Van Dijk, who are now expected to sign two-year extensions, but Alexander-Arnold is being courted by Real Madrid.

Liverpool have rejected a first £20million offer for the 26-year-old, but the ball is now in his court. In the meantime, there are plenty of other stories to look at involving transfers and the club.

Liverpool confirmed on Monday that young goalkeeper Marcelo Pitaluga has moved back to Fluminense on a permanent deal. The 22-year-old joined Liverpool for £1.8m in 2020 but never made a first-team appearance, having spent time on loan with Macclesfield, St Patrick’s Athletic and Livingston.

With Alisson Becker and Caoimhin Kelleher ahead of him in the pecking order, the closest he came to the Liverpool first team was being named in seven match day squads.

The club said in a statement: “Everyone at LFC wishes Marcelo the best of luck for the future.” Although he’s left on a free transfer, Liverpool reportedly have a 40 per cent sell-on clause with Pitaluga, meaning they could be due money in the future.

Liverpool want to keep Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold ( Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images202)
Captain Virgil van Dijk is expected to pen a new contract with Liverpool, but speaking after Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Manchester United, he revealed that confirmation of him staying is no closer.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “I don’t think so, but I am calm about it, like I said months ago. We’ll see what happens in the future and at this point I have got absolutely no update. It’s all about at the moment focusing, for me and the team, on Spurs [on Wednesday night]. It will be a tough game again, but a good [Carabao Cup] semi-final.”

He also spoke about the Alexander-Arnold situation, saying: “I am fine with it. Trent has his own people around him, his family and we are there as well. He wants to perform in the best way possible like we all do. That is the main focus. In my opinion, maybe ask him, that is the distraction… the game.”

Federico Chiesa’s agent has confirmed that the Italian winger will stay with Liverpool this season despite links with Napoli. Chiesa has made just four appearances for Liverpool since joining the club for £10m plus a further £2.5m in add-ons from Juventus in August.Liverpool’s approach to the January transfer window stands apart from their Premier League rivals. While many teams are focused on reinforcing their squads with new signings, the Reds are concentrating on securing the futures of key players already at the club. The club’s primary goal this month is to finalize new contracts for Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Retaining the Core Trio

The contracts for Salah, Van Dijk, and Alexander-Arnold are set to expire in June. This situation permits them to negotiate pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs for a potential free transfer in the summer. However, Liverpool is working diligently to prevent such scenarios. Salah and Van Dijk are reportedly close to agreeing on two-year extensions, while Alexander-Arnold’s future remains less certain due to interest from Real Madrid.

Real Madrid has already made a £20 million offer for the 26-year-old full-back, which Liverpool promptly rejected. The decision now rests with Alexander-Arnold as the club hopes to secure his commitment amidst external interest.

Young Talent Moves On

In a confirmed January move, Liverpool announced that young goalkeeper Marcelo Pitaluga has permanently transferred to Fluminense. The 22-year-old joined Liverpool in 2020 for £1.8 million but failed to make a first-team appearance. During his time with the club, he went on loan spells with Macclesfield, St Patrick’s Athletic, and Livingston. Despite leaving on a free transfer, Liverpool included a 40% sell-on clause in the deal, potentially benefiting from future transactions involving the player.

A club statement read, “Everyone at LFC wishes Marcelo the best of luck for the future.” Pitaluga’s departure reflects the depth in Liverpool’s goalkeeping department, with Alisson Becker and Caoimhin Kelleher firmly ahead in the pecking order.

Van Dijk and Team Dynamics

Team captain Virgil van Dijk remains a pivotal figure at Anfield, and his contract renewal is highly anticipated. Following Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United, Van Dijk addressed his contract situation, stating to Sky Sports, “I don’t think so, but I am calm about it, like I said months ago. We’ll see what happens in the future. Right now, my focus is on the team and our upcoming game against Spurs in the Carabao Cup semi-final.”

Van Dijk also weighed in on Alexander-Arnold’s contract situation, expressing confidence in the player’s professionalism. “Trent has his own people around him, his family, and we are here to support him. His main focus is on performing at his best, and that’s all that matters right now,” he said.

Federico Chiesa Staying Put

Meanwhile, rumors surrounding Federico Chiesa’s future have been quashed. Despite links to Serie A clubs Napoli, Roma, and Fiorentina, Chiesa’s agent, Vali Ramadan, confirmed the Italian winger’s commitment to Liverpool. “Napoli did not negotiate a contract with Chiesa from Liverpool in the winter period, and the club has no intention of dispensing with the player. He is continuing with Liverpool and looking forward to more opportunities in the coming months,” Ramadan stated.

Chiesa, who joined Liverpool from Juventus in August for £10 million plus £2.5 million in add-ons, has made just four appearances so far. The club sees him as a valuable asset for the future and intends to integrate him further into the squad.

Conclusion

Liverpool’s strategy this January revolves around stability and retention. By prioritizing contract renewals for key players like Salah, Van Dijk, and Alexander-Arnold, the club aims to build on its current strengths while maintaining a cohesive squad. With young talents like Pitaluga moving on and players like Chiesa committed to staying, Liverpool is laying the groundwork for sustained success.

He has been linked with a move back to Italy, with Napoli, Roma and his former club Fiorentina said to be interested. But his agent Vali Ramadan has rubbished those reports.

“Napoli did not negotiate a contract with Chiesa from Liverpool in the winter period, and the club has no intention of dispensing with the player,” he told 365scores. “The player is continuing with Liverpool and is seeking the opportunity to participate in the coming period. This is what I can confirm now.”