After Jurgen Klopp left Liverpool last year, many thought that it would lead to a downfall for the Reds. However, they hired Arne Slot from Feyenoord. And, as they say, the rest is history.
Arne Slot won the Premier League in his first year in charge of the club. Also, Mohamed Salah had perhaps the best league season in a Liverpool shirt last year.
Also, Virgil van Dijk was crucial in helping the Reds clinch their 20th domestic league title, equalling Manchester United. But everything was not smooth behind the scenes for the Reds.
Two of their best performers, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, were coming towards the end of their contracts. However, they did sign a new extension for another two years.
Now, Tom Werner, Liverpool’s chairman, said he would have accepted losing Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk on free transfers if the negotiations became impossible.
Speaking in James Pearce’s new book Walk On (via Daily Mail), Werner explained how director of football Richard Hughes kept control of the process, reassuring him that a resolution would come.
Werner said Hughes handled the situation with respect, calm planning and a clear strategy. According to Werner, the ownership team never meddles in negotiations.
They rely on specialists such as Hughes and Michael Edwards, the club’s CEO of Football, whom Werner described as “the preeminent father of success” at Liverpool.
Edwards returned last year after receiving several offers elsewhere and will oversee plans to expand Fenway Sports Group’s multi-club model.
At the same time, Werner confirmed that Arne Slot was always the first-choice successor to Jurgen Klopp.
He praised the Dutchman’s authenticity and leadership after guiding Liverpool to the Premier League title in his debut season.
The club reached agreements with Salah and Van Dijk in the end, but Werner’s message remains clear. Liverpool will keep their stars only when the numbers match their vision.
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