Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has expressed his desire for Mohamed Salah to remain at the club beyond his current contract, which expires in 2027. The 33-year-old Egyptian forward delivered a stellar performance in Liverpool's 3-0 FA Cup victory over Brighton, scoring and assisting to help secure progression to the fifth round.

Salah's relationship with the club faced turbulence in December when he claimed he had been 'thrown under the bus' by management amid a difficult run of form. However, since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, the forward has started every game, contributing two goals and four assists. Van Dijk emphasized Salah's value extends beyond his goal-scoring ability, noting his leadership and presence benefit the entire team.

With Al-Ittihad attempting to sign Salah in 2023 and the Saudi Pro League remaining interested, Liverpool faces potential competition for the forward's signature. Salah has scored 252 goals since joining Liverpool in 2017, including 34 last season as they won the Premier League title. Van Dijk, who recently signed a new two-year contract himself, stressed that Salah's standards remain exceptionally high despite recent criticism over his goal drought.