Liverpool Told to Consider £100m Sale of Star Duo After Form Dip
Liverpool have received a stark recommendation to contemplate the sale of two of their most celebrated players, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, following a noticeable decline in their performances this season. The suggestion comes from former Manchester United and England goalkeeper Ben Foster, who believes the club should capitalise on their market value now.
Brutal Assessment from Former Premier League Keeper
Speaking candidly on his popular Fozcast podcast, Foster delivered a blunt analysis of the situation. He pointed to the pair's recent struggles, particularly highlighting their lacklustre display in Liverpool's 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth last weekend. "Virgil's nowhere near the player he was at this point last season," Foster stated, adding, "and with Mo Salah, there's all sorts kicking off with him."
The ex-shot-stopper, who also played for Wrexham, expressed a common concern in modern football regarding veteran players securing lucrative long-term contracts. "It's why clubs are so wary about giving contracts to older players. These are big earners as well," he remarked, estimating their weekly wages to be around £300,000.
High-Value Contracts and Mounting Pressure
Both Salah and Van Dijk signed significant new deals with Liverpool in April last year, reportedly worth £350,000 per week, ending prolonged speculation about their futures at Anfield. At the time, securing their services until at least the summer of 2027 was met with widespread relief from the fanbase, given their pivotal roles in the club's Premier League triumph under manager Arne Slot last season.
However, the current campaign has painted a different picture. The duo have so far failed to justify their substantial new agreements, with Liverpool faltering in their defence of the title. Foster argues that this pattern is not uncommon. "We have seen it so many times where big name players sign that big deal and then the drop off is phenomenal," he observed.
A Proposed £50m Price Tag for Each Star
In a direct piece of advice to the Liverpool hierarchy, Foster proposed a clear financial strategy. "If they could get £40m or £50m for Mo Salah, and probably the same for Virgil Van Dijk, you're taking it," he asserted. This would represent a total potential windfall of up to £100 million for the Merseyside club.
Foster acknowledged the professional character of both players but emphasised the historical precedent of performance decline after major contract signings. "There's nothing to suggest personally that they would have a drop off, except the hundreds of players before them that have done the same thing," he noted.
External Criticism and Managerial Tensions
The scrutiny extends beyond Foster. Dutch football legend Jaap Stam, a former Manchester United defender, has also been vocal in his criticism of Van Dijk's recent displays. Analysing the Bournemouth loss, Stam commented, "When you watch Virgil van Dijk play, he seems to be doubting himself." He stressed that as the team's leader and one of the world's best defenders, lapses in focus are proving costly for Slot's side.
Meanwhile, Salah's relationship with manager Arne Slot is reported to be at a low ebb, fuelling speculation about a potential summer departure. This adds another layer of complexity to the decision Liverpool faces regarding their Egyptian talisman.
Historical Context and Future Decisions
Liverpool's potential willingness to sell at the suggested prices remains questionable. The club famously rejected a colossal £150 million offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad for Salah in 2023, demonstrating their high valuation of him at his peak.
As the season progresses, the performances of Salah and Van Dijk will be under intense microscope. The debate ignited by Foster's comments underscores the difficult balancing act top clubs face: managing ageing stars on high wages while planning for long-term squad regeneration and financial sustainability. The coming months will reveal whether Liverpool's leadership agrees with this brutal assessment or continues to back their established stars to rediscover their best form.
