John Aldridge answers Slot, Salah, Alonso and Liverpool contract questions before major Anfield charity appeal

Liverpool supporters are already looking ahead to some huge decisions this summer and one former Reds striker has now given his view on several of the club’s biggest talking points.

Speaking in an interview arranged via BetBrain, John Aldridge discussed Arne Slot’s future, Mo Salah’s contract situation and the long-term futures of Andy Robertson and Ibou Konate.

Aldridge on Slot future and Xabi Alonso links

When asked whether Arne Slot should remain Liverpool manager next season, the former striker refused to make a definitive call but made clear what he believes the Dutchman must achieve.

“We’ll have to wait until the end of the season to see where we’re at,” Aldridge said.

“The Champions League’s a must. A trophy, whether it be the FA Cup or the Champions League, who knows but we’ve got to get top four or five, whatever it takes.”

Aldridge was also asked whether Xabi Alonso would be his preferred replacement if Slot were to leave Anfield.

He replied cautiously: “It’s a little bit hypothetical because Xabi might get a job next week, he might get a job next month.

“I’m just hoping the manager gets us where we need to be by the end of the season and then we’ll see where the club stands.”

Liverpool contracts: Salah, Konate and Robertson

The 67-year-old also addressed the future of Mo Salah amid ongoing speculation about the Egyptian’s long-term stay at the club.

“You’ve got to ask the manager and Mo himself - we don’t know the situation,” he explained.

“He’s come back and he’s putting a shift in, he’s trying to prove a point and that’s all you want - Mo scoring goals because we need him.”

Aldridge expects Liverpool to make their own assessment at the end of the season.

“They’ll assess his situation,” he added. “Fingers crossed for good news.”

The former forward also spoke about new contracts for Andy Robertson and Ibou Konate, admitting the Scotland captain’s role in the dressing room could be difficult to replace.

“Robbo’s going to be a big miss in the changing room as a player,” Aldridge said.

“Can he turn down the opportunity if he’s not going to play a lot of games? I don’t think he’d want to be a bit-part player.

“It wouldn’t come down to money with him - what you see is what you get.”

On Konate, he believes the defender’s recent form may come at a key moment in negotiations.

“Up to the last month he’s been very poor this season but the last month he seems to be getting back to his best at a good time for his negotiations.

“I think you’ve just got to wait and see.”

Why the Liverpool Legends match matters

Aldridge also used the interview to highlight the upcoming Liverpool Legends charity match and the impact it has off the pitch.

“We work closely with the Foundation,” he said.

“The proceeds from the game run around about a million pounds.

“Mainly it’s for looking after our ex-players who are in difficulties. For instance, Ron Yates had Alzheimer’s and dementia and we paid for the great man being in a home and it took the burden from the family.”

The former striker explained that the fundraising extends into the wider community across Merseyside.

“Then the money left over goes into the community — children’s hospitals, Zoe’s Place, Alder Hey and other local causes.

“I’m just proud to be chairman - it’s so important.”

Aldridge also urged supporters to attend, particularly younger fans who rarely get the chance to visit Anfield.

“We get 60,000 every game and there’s a lot of kids who can’t afford or can’t get tickets for the main matches so they look upon this as a spectacle.

“It does sell out - if anyone is thinking about going, hurry up and get them because they will be gone.”

Supporters can buy tickets via the club here: https://legacy.liverpoolfc.com/tickets/tickets-availability/lfc-legends-vs-bvb-legends-510