Liverpool's management faces a challenging situation with Mohamed Salah, a decision that diverges from the typical "Ferguson" approach of retaining key players at all costs. The Egyptian star's future at Anfield is uncertain, with his contract expiring at the end of the season. Salah has voiced his frustration over the lack of progress in negotiating a new deal.
Despite the contract standoff, Salah has been in sensational form, scoring 17 Premier League goals and providing 13 assists. His contributions have been vital to Liverpool's strong performance in both domestic and European competitions.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Salah revealed that this season, his desire to win the Premier League is even stronger than his ambition for Champions League glory. He attributed this to the team's inability to properly celebrate their previous title win due to lockdown restrictions. He also added that his focus is on performing at his best in what he considers his last year with the club.
When pressed about whether this would indeed be his final season at Liverpool, Salah stated that, as things stand, it is likely, given the lack of progress in contract negotiations. He emphasized his determination to focus on having an outstanding season rather than being distracted by contract concerns.
Adding fuel to the fire, reports have emerged linking Salah with a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League. According to sources, a deal worth around €170 million per year is on the table, a significant increase compared to his current estimated €24 million annual salary at Liverpool. Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness believes that an agreement is likely to be reached soon, potentially making Salah the league's biggest signing since Cristiano Ronaldo.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are reportedly making contingency plans and monitoring potential replacements for Salah. Bayern Munich's Michael Olise is one name that has been mentioned as a possible successor. Olise, a 23-year-old French international, has impressed in the Bundesliga, showcasing his goal-scoring and creative abilities. However, any move for Olise would be complicated by his existing long-term contract with Bayern Munich.
Adding another layer of complexity, Salah is expected to have key talks with Egypt's coach, Hossam Hassan, regarding his availability for international duties. A potential clash between club and country could arise due to Egypt's training camp schedule coinciding with Liverpool's important fixtures. Salah reportedly prefers to play for Liverpool before joining the Egypt squad closer to the Africa Cup of Nations. Successfully navigating this situation will be crucial to avoid any friction.
Despite the uncertainty, Liverpool fans can take solace in the fact that Salah signed a contract extension in April, which could keep him at the club until 2027. During that time, Salah said that he has had the best years of his career and believes the team can still win trophies. However, the recent developments suggest that Liverpool may have to brace themselves for a future without their star player, a future that would mark a significant departure from the club's traditional approach to player retention.
