Both Virgil van Dijk’s and Mohamed Salah’s contract situations have been hanging over Liverpool for some time now.

In what has been a seriously impressive first season for Arne Slot at Liverpool, there’s always been the uncertainty of three key contract situations in the background.

Of course, Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to join Real Madrid by all accounts – Liverpool fans at least have some certainty in that regard, even if the outcome hasn’t been too comforting.

However, Van Dijk’s and Salah’s situations have remained unresolved, even if both have often given reason for Liverpool fans to stay positive.

And whilst clubs would usually be wary of handing big new contracts to players progressing into their thirties, both are still at the very top of their game – at least until a month ago.

David Ornstein gives Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah contract update

That being said, reliable journalist David Ornstein has just given an important update on both situations for NBC Sports.

Fortunately for Liverpool fans, Ornstein revealed that it is now just a matter of ‘when’ and not ‘if’ both Van Dijk and Salah sign new deals – they’ll both be staying at Anfield bar any drastic late changes.

Salah had been linked with the Saudi Pro League again recently, however, it seems as if that move will have to wait for another couple of years at least.

Sharing his update, Ornstein said: “It’s been my understanding throughout that Liverpool are confident [and] optimistic of renewing Van Dijk and now it’s a case of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’ he’ll put pen to paper, barring any last minute hitches.

“The talks, the negotiations have been positive and cordial – it’s the same situation with Mohamed Salah, Liverpool have been confident throughout that they will retain his services.

“And like I said with Van Dijk, it’s more a case of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’ that is going to happen now, and that will be really good news for them.”

How do Liverpool replace Trent Alexander-Arnold?

As mentioned, the only bad news for Liverpool on a contract front right now is the inevitable departure of Alexander-Arnold.

Fortunately, Liverpool want to give Conor Bradley a new deal – a fine young full-back who impressed when he came on against Fulham.

However, Liverpool do plan to buy a new right-back to help Bradley too, even if they have promised him more chances.

And to that end, Liverpool are eying a French right-back who is making a lot of progress in the Bundesliga this season.

But if FSG do want to find someone closer to home, perhaps Liverpool could sign a Tottenham player to make up for the creativity lost with Alexander-Arnold.