Liverpool could LOSE Arne Slot if contract situation isn’t solved

Arne Slot has undoubtedly outperformed expectations since being installed as Liverpool’s permanent successor to Jurgen Klopp at the end of last season.

The 46-year-old admittedly came to Anfield with a very good reputation off the back of his time at Feyenoord, where he led the Dutch club to an Eredivisie title, a Dutch Cup and an appearance in the UEFA Europa Conference League final.

Liverpool Transfer Latest: Fabrizio Romano confirms Liverpool meeting as €40m deal lined-up

But it’s fair to say his work until that point had been relatively provincial with a lack of time spent at a European superclub.

It’s always hard to judge how individuals handle the step up from the Eredivisie and it was therefore unknown how he would fare at Liverpool, where he would be dealing with bigger and better players with huge reputations and even bigger pay packets.

READ MORE: Virgil van Dijk expected to receive INCREDIBLE contract news

Liverpool’s players have been nothing but complimentary about Slot’s work thus far, delivering a fine endorsement of Richard Hughes’ recruitment processes.

Slot has delivered an upturn in collective form and is getting more out of some of these players than Klopp ever managed. However, there are a couple of details from Slot’s contract hinting that his appointment could have gone either way.

Arne Slot contract expires in 2027

First, the salary. Slot's reportedly earning around £6.2m per annum for managing Liverpool. Not an inconsiderable sum but nowhere near the best in the league which is Pep Guardiola's wage of £20m a year.

Even Mikel Arteta - one FA Cup in five years - makes more than twice that.

And it's a fraction of Klopp's final Liverpool salary, reported to be somewhere between £15m and £21m a year. If Slot was in a position to negotiate more, then he would have.

Then there's the duration. Where the likes of Enzo Maresca and Unai Emery are locked into their respective clubs until 2029, Slot is only signed on until 2027. Were Liverpool hedging their bets in case they had to make a payoff?

READ MORE: How to get Carabao Cup final tickets

It’s immaterial now but time is hurtling by at such a rate that it’s only two years until Arne Slot is out of contract at Liverpool. We talk about impending contract crises for the likes of Mohamed Salah and further down the line for Ibrahima Konate.

But there could well be one brewing around the coach.

He’s proven more than capable of managing at this level and if he delivers the Premier League title in his first season in charge then he will position himself in the upper tier of managers in the game.

That in turn will strengthen Slot’s hands when it comes to contract negotiations with FSG and sporting director Richard Hughes.

“Slot agreed terms on a three-year deal, having told Liverpool he was comfortable with the title of head coach rather than manager in a new-look hierarchy at Anfield which sees him answer to Hughes and Fenway Sports Group’s CEO of football Michael Edwards,” a report in the Athletic read around Slot’s appointment.

But the head coach will probably have a lot more leeway when his contract next comes up for discussion. And that renewal is the one that the club need to prioritise more than any other.

READ MORE: Liverpool forward edges closer to Arsenal deal after striking agreement

While Slot cannot claim to be the architect of this squad - that honour goes to Klopp and sporting directors of the past - he has moulded it into an unstoppable, winning machine.

He’s demonstrated his credentials at the highest level and will be seeking the duration - and salary - to match that.

There are at least five managers out-earning Slot in the Premier League with David Moyes reported to be raking in over £12m per year in comparison to Slot's £6.2m. If he delivers Liverpool to the promised land, that situation won't hold.

Liverpool have got themselves into a situation where they are either unwilling or unable to renew the contracts for Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Let's see how they handle a similar situation with Slot.

Liverpool FC news recap: Pep Guardiola STUNNED as Reds sign next Roberto Firmino