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The legend believed that Van Dijk departure will be a big blow for Liverpool.

Liverpool legend John Barnes has emphasised the importance of retaining Virgil van Dijk, stating that the club cannot afford to lose their Dutch captain.

With Van Dijk’s contract set to expire at the end of the season, Barnes believes that his departure would be a big blow to the team.

What Barnes said

Barnes’ comments come as Liverpool face the prospect of losing key trio Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold when their contracts expire.

While Salah is enjoying another stellar season, Barnes cautioned that the club must be careful when it comes to his deal, as he will inevitably “slow down” at some point.

“We want them all to stay, but if you were to put them in order, I would say Virgil is the most important,” Barnes said at a LiveScore live fan event in Liverpool.

He continued, “I don’t think we could cope with losing him. In terms of importance, Virgil is most important.”

“If you look from an attacking perspective, we have (Luis) Diaz, (Cody) Gakpo, (Curtis) Jones, and Mo is up there with the best of them at this moment in time.

Barnes disclosed that the club must consider the long-term implications of Salah’s contract, rather than just focusing on his current form.

“He is going to slow down maybe next year or the year after. If you look at what he’s doing now and give him a four-year contract and think he’s going to be the same in three years, he won’t. The club has to make the right decision.

“The club need to look at the end of that contract and think will he have the same impact as he has now,” Barnes said. “It happens to everyone – (Ian) Rush, (Kenny) Dalglish, Billy Liddell, happens to us all,” he said.

With Van Dijk’s contract situation unresolved, Barnes believes that extending his deal should be the club’s top priority.