Anfield Index
·13 November 2024
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·13 November 2024
With the current 2024/25 season only just entering the midway realms of November, it is startling to see Liverpool ‘s record breaking goal scorer, Mohamed Salah, already having attained 10 goals and 10 assists (in all competitions), at this relatively early stage of the campaign. Make no mistake about it, this footballing icon is the greatest right winger / right forward in the history of the English game.
Some of the younger generation (of football fans) may prefer to limit the game within these borders to the Premier League era, however, it is now undeniable that the 32-year-old legend is the greatest of any time period in his favoured position. As a man that has captivated the Anfield audience since his move to the club in 2017, the final months of his stay are still unknown and approaching urgent.
Various sources are reporting that negotiations are still ongoing and that the simplicity of merely penning a new deal are far more complicated that the general fanbase could ever imagine, however, what is clear is that the Merseyside support are desperate to see his stay extended, whilst he himself appears of the same mindset.
Photo: IMAGO
My hope is that within this ongoing international break, the hierarchy of Anfield executives and primarily the Sporting CEO, Michael Edwards, will finally be able to agree terms on a new contract for the legend that has scored 221 goals in 361 appearances. For various reasons (relating to the standard of pitches and opponents), the 103-cap Egyptian star has been left out of their current squad, therefore, will miss the upcoming games against Cape Verde and Botswana.
The roughhousing and risk of injury that may have taken place on duty has now created a window of opportunity for his employers, one that must be taken advantage of in this two-week period. The reds new Sporting Director, Richard Hughes, will surely look to align with his CEO, Edwards, to ensure this time frame is spent agreeing new contracts for world class assets.
Photo: IMAGO
The problematic expiration dates on Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander Arnold’s deals are also expected to be discussed, though the sense is that the reds famous no.11, Mohamed Salah, could be announced first. If reporting is to be believed, the extension and terms relating to Arne Slot’s club captain, Virgil, and his new contract are in place, however, he is currently away with the Netherlands squad and such an agreement would only be announced later.
The rumblings surrounding that of the vice-captain, Trent Alexander Arnold, and his links to Real Madrid, refuse to dampen or dissipate. Regarding his own extension or potential departure, it may well enter the new year before a decision on his own future is clarified.
What this title chasing enterprise requires is an injection of optimism to drive the group into the next phase. Liverpool have emerged as genuine challengers to the domestic footballing thrown, as Manchester City stutter their way through their 115-charges and campaign without their talisman, Rodri. For Liverpool FC secure the future of one of its greatest ever players would be a statement of intent and add incentive to momentum.
As a player that will start next season as a 33-year-old veteran, there are of course risks (for the club) that come with agreeing a blockbuster contract for Salah. The eye test has the former Roma forward remaining as one of the best players in world football, whereas the Saudi Pro League would always safeguard any dramatic fall off with a bag full of money. Logic dictates that money spent is safe guarded by performance or a maintained value, which should become clear to all in time.
I believe the deal will get done and that it may be presented in the coming weeks, just in time for the reds to continue their charge for glory.