“Talks over a major new Liverpool contract have been paused, leaving the club ‘not in a strong position.’”
Liverpool Put Contract Talks with Arne Slot on Hold Amid Poor Form
Liverpool have reportedly suspended negotiations over a new long-term deal for Arne Slot as the team continues to struggle for results.
The Reds have now lost six of their last seven matches in all competitions, with a heavily rotated side falling to a 3-0 defeat against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup at Anfield on Wednesday night.
Earlier this month, The Daily Express (via Sky Sports) revealed that Slot’s agent had been in discussions with Liverpool’s board about extending the Dutchman’s contract beyond June 2027. Journalist Dean Jones also suggested that talks were expected to “become more active” over the course of the season.
However, Liverpool’s dramatic dip in form has reportedly led the club to pause those negotiations. Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast:
> “We’ve heard about Slot’s contract discussions and how these situations can sometimes stall. Reports now say those talks have been put on hold.
He’ll know himself that he’s not in a strong position to negotiate right now. That’s likely as far as it goes — I don’t think there’s any major pressure on him at the moment.
If this poor run continues for another few Premier League games, then we might start to see genuine concern. But there’s quality in that squad, and he has to get them firing again. It’s not terminal — I think they’ll turn it around.”
Slot Still Retains Board Confidence
According to Fabrizio Romano, Slot continues to have the backing of Liverpool’s hierarchy. While discussions over a new deal appear to be on pause, the prospect of an imminent dismissal remains unlikely.
Although coaches such as Claudio Ranieri and José Mourinho have been sacked in the season after winning the Premier League, Liverpool are generally known for being more patient with their managers.
Slot has faced increasing criticism in recent weeks for his team selections, tactics, and substitutions, but it would be rash to part ways with a manager who guided the club to a dominant league title just months ago.
Should Liverpool find form again with positive results against Aston Villa, Real Madrid, and Manchester City in the coming weeks, speculation over Slot’s job security would likely fade. However, the pressure will only intensify if their poor run continues.
For now, the 47-year-old must focus on stopping the losing streak and restoring belief within the squad — a task reminiscent of how Jürgen Klopp turned things around after a similarly tough spell in early 2017.
