Hendrick “Van Dijk yesterday did worry me a little bit,” | OneFootball

Contract Questions and Defensive Clarity: Liverpool’s Summer Priorities

Liverpool’s squad planning for the post-Klopp era continues to intensify under new manager Arne Slot, and nowhere is this more evident than in the scrutiny being placed on contracts—particularly those of the club’s core defenders. Speaking on the latest AEye Scouted Football Podcast, Dave Hendrick and Karl Matchett dissected the futures of several of Liverpool’s most important players, and the message was clear: when it comes to Liverpool defenders and contracts, urgency is no longer optional.

Virgil van Dijk: Still Undisputed, Still Undervalued?

Van Dijk’s influence is as seismic as ever, despite isolated lapses. “Van Dijk yesterday did worry me a little bit,” Dave admitted, citing a performance that felt “really laxidasical, really lazy.” Yet, he was quick to stress, “It’s very much not the norm with Virgil. I think he’s been incredible all season.”

On the question of extending Van Dijk’s contract, both hosts were in agreement. “I’d be giving him two years for certain,” said Karl. Dave echoed the sentiment: “Short-term performances shouldn’t really factor in… Physically, I don’t really have too many worries about Van Dijk at 35.”

The debate was not about whether to extend the Dutchman, but how generously. “Liverpool need to ask themselves the question: where would we be this season if we replaced Virgil with a similar-level centre-back?” Dave challenged. “We’d probably be fourth or fifth.”

Ibrahima Konaté: Promise Meets Pain

At 26, Ibrahima Konaté is expected to be a cornerstone of Liverpool’s defence. But the contract discussion was complicated by fitness issues. “Reports suggest he wants in around the 200 grand a week mark,” said Dave. “I don’t think that’s an outrageous demand… the concern obviously is the injuries.”

Karl made his position clear: “I don’t have a problem with him getting very, very high wages… as long as they are really well weighted towards performance and achievement.” Incentivised contracts, it seems, are the pragmatic path forward.

Andy Robertson and Joe Gomez: Diverging Paths

The left-back situation is more delicate. “I know you prefer to sell Robertson this summer,” Karl told Dave. “Even if it was just one year left on his deal and one year left on him to stay, that’s what I would do.”

Joe Gomez, meanwhile, remains a conundrum. “He’s had a lot of injuries,” Dave pointed out. “The best thing he could do is move on and go play regularly somewhere.” Karl agreed, noting that despite his decade at the club, “I don’t really see that we can look at him as somebody to rely upon.”

The pair concluded that if a “decent fee”—in the region of £25m or more—came in, Liverpool should sanction a sale. “Let’s find a deal,” Dave urged.

Jarell Quansah and Conor Bradley: Bright Sparks for the Future

While much of the conversation focused on established players, both Matchett and Hendrick were enthusiastic about Liverpool’s emerging defensive talent. “Get Bradley locked up,” Dave insisted. “He looks like the future of that position for us.”

Jarell Quansah was also name-checked as the only player currently contracted through to 2029. “No reason to be even thinking about contracts with him,” Karl said. “He is the longest remaining contract at the club.”

As Liverpool recalibrates under new leadership, it’s clear that decisive contract action is needed—particularly around defenders who continue to shape their season. Whether it’s extending stalwarts like Van Dijk, protecting investment in Konaté, or saying difficult goodbyes to Robertson or Gomez, the club’s handling of these negotiations will be pivotal.

As Dave succinctly put it: “I don’t see how the club are not falling over themselves to make sure these two lads [Van Dijk and Salah] are locked down.”