Liverpool could be on the brink of losing Mohamed Salah during what Jurgen Klopp believes are his “best years”. The Egyptian forward has hinted at a possible departure next summer, expressing disappointment over Liverpool’s failure to offer him a new contract.
This revelation came after Liverpool’s 3-2 victory over Southampton, where Salah netted two goals, pushing Arne Slot’s team eight points clear at the top of the Premier League. Alarmingly for the Reds, three key players – Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Salah – are free to negotiate with other clubs from January 1st for a potential end-of-season move.
League reaction, Mohamed Salah contract,
Salah’s future has been a hot topic due to his expiring contract and interest from Saudi Arabia in recent years, which led to Liverpool turning down a huge bid from Al-Ittihad. At 32, Salah’s sparkling form remains crucial to Liverpool’s success this season, suggesting his exit would significantly impact Slot’s plans.
Klopp, who was at the helm when Salah joined Liverpool in 2017 and helped shape him into a global superstar, echoed this sentiment when Salah signed a three-year extension in 2022. He predicted that the best of the two-time African Player of the Year in a Liverpool shirt was yet to come.
When Salah signed his new contract, Klopp was over the moon: “This is a special treat for our supporters to enjoy their weekend even more. I’m sure there will be some celebrations for this news tonight. Really pleased – really, really pleased. It’s the best decision for us and best decision for him.
“He belongs with us I think. This is his club now. I have no doubt Mo’s best years are still to come. And that’s saying something, because the first five seasons here have been the stuff of legend.”
Salah’s recent remarks hinted at an increased chance of his departure from Anfield after this season. However, from a Liverpool angle, there’s a silver lining as he expressed a strong desire to stay, citing his solid bond with the Anfield crowd.
After Sunday’s match, Salah shared: “Well, we are almost in December and I haven’t received any offers yet to stay in the club. I’m probably more out than in.
“You know I have been in the club for many years. There is no club like this. But in the end it is not in my hands. As I said before, it is December and I haven’t received anything yet about my future.”
When questioned if he felt let down by Liverpool’s silence on a new deal, Salah responded: “Of course, yeah. I love the fans. The fans love me. In the end it is not in my hands or the fans’ hands. Let’s wait and see.
“I’m not going to retire soon so I’m just playing, focusing on the season and I’m trying to win the Premier League and hopefully the Champions League as well. I’m disappointed but we will see. I’m very professional. Everybody can see my work ethic.
“I’m just trying to enjoy my football and I will play at the top level as long as possible. I’m just doing my best because this is who I am and I try to give it all for myself and for the club. We will see what happens next.”
