'I Want Him to Stay': Virgil van Dijk Confirms Mohamed Salah Talks After Liverpool Bench Fallout
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has confirmed that he wants Mohamed Salah to remain at the club following a week that placed the forward’s Anfield future under scrutiny. The comments came after Salah publicly questioned his treatment following Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Leeds United, a match in which he was an unused substitute.
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Salah claimed he felt “thrown under the bus” after being left on the bench at Elland Road, suggesting responsibility for the result had been placed on him. The 33-year-old was subsequently omitted from the squad for Liverpool’s midweek Champions League clash away to Inter Milan, where a late Dominik Szoboszlai penalty secured a 1-0 victory for the Reds.
Liverpool welcomed Salah back into the matchday squad for the weekend Premier League fixture against Brighton. The Reds claimed a 2-0 home win, with Hugo Ekitike scoring twice. Salah entered the match from the bench following an injury to Joe Gomez and provided the assist for Ekitike’s second goal, sealing Liverpool’s third league win in 11 matches.
The Brighton fixture marked Salah’s final appearance for Liverpool before joining Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations later this month. Reports have suggested a potential January exit, though Van Dijk addressed the situation directly after the match by confirming his desire for Salah to stay.
When asked about conversations with the forward, Van Dijk said he speaks regularly with Salah and has told him clearly that he wants him to remain at the club. The Liverpool skipper added that Salah is one of the team’s leaders and acknowledged that his upcoming AFCON commitment was the immediate focus.
Salah had indicated that a strained relationship with head coach Arne Slot contributed to doubts over his long-term future at Anfield. Van Dijk, however, stated that he believes Slot has handled the situation well amid external pressure and scrutiny surrounding Liverpool’s recent form.
The captain pointed to daily internal conversations and described the club as one built on unity during both successful periods and difficult moments. He emphasized the importance of collective responsibility from players, staff, and supporters as Liverpool navigate the season.
Reflecting on the challenging spell Liverpool have endured, Van Dijk said the mood within the dressing room has remained positive. He highlighted the squad’s determination, hunger, and energy to improve results, stressing the need for consistency and calm across a long campaign.
Liverpool’s recent results have eased some of the pressure on Slot following a run that previously yielded only four wins from 15 matches in all competitions. The Reds will look to extend their momentum when they travel to Tottenham before closing out 2025 with a home fixture against Wolves.
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