Mohamed Salah appeared to let slip that an announcement of a new Liverpool contract for Virgil van Dijk is in the pipeline after the dramatic win over West Ham. Van Dijk scored the winner in the 2-1 victory over West Ham on Sunday afternoon just minutes after he played a key role in the away side’s equaliser.
Salah set up Luis Diaz to score the opener in the first half, but the Hammers moved level late on when Van Dijk sent a clearance into Andy Robertson, who was powerless to stop the ball going into his own net. Thankfully for the Reds skipper, he headed in Alexis Mac Allister’s corner three minutes later to seal three points.
Victory moved Liverpool 13 points clear of Arsenal and two wins away from lifting the Premier League title – and came a few days after Salah announced he had signed a new contract. Van Dijk is widely expected to follow in his footsteps and was seen kissing the badge in his passionate celebrations at Anfield.
However, nothing official has come from the club or Van Dijk himself, making Salah’s words in a post-match interview alongside his team-mate eye-catching.
“I am glad that we managed to do that early, before the end of the season,” he told Sky Sports. “And hopefully also Virgil will be next. I just say hopefully! I’m just saying. Look, he can do whatever he wants but I would love to see him here again next season. But of course, he can choose do do whatever he wants.”
Van Dijk responded: “I can say I am very proud today to captain my 100th game for Liverpool. And it was an emotional day, because obviously it was the Hillsborough anniversary so that was the main focus – get three points and get a step closer towards all of our dreams.
“Not only us as players, but coaches and staff and everyone connected with Liverpool FC. That’s the main thing. Everyone knows how much I love this club and let’s see what the next week will look like.”
Van Dijk’s words tally with those from former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, who offered a theory as to why the centre-back is yet to announce that he is staying put.
“Listen, I think there may be some news on Virgil van Dijk next week,” Carragher said on Sky Sports before kick-off. “I think the fact the Mo Salah news came out, maybe not trying to do two players on one day.
“Maybe not trying to steal the thunder of either of the players, Virgil van Dijk or Mo Salah. I think Mo Salah had his moment a few days ago and I’m sure that will be the case with Virgil van Dijk next week.”
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