Salah’s ‘No matter what happens’ Sparks Liverpool Contract Concerns | OneFootball

Mohamed Salah’s Future at Anfield: Will He Stay?

Mohamed Salah’s stunning goal against Brighton, propelling Liverpool to the top of the Premier League table, served as a vivid reminder of what could be lost if contract negotiations do not reach a positive conclusion. With the end of the season fast approaching, questions loom over whether Liverpool’s talisman will remain at Anfield or seek pastures new.

This uncertainty has only been heightened by Salah’s ambiguous social media post that has sparked conversations among fans and pundits alike.

Photo: IMAGO

Salah and His Legacy at Liverpool

Since arriving at Liverpool, Mohamed Salah has transformed into one of the club’s greatest assets. The Egyptian forward has netted 220 goals in 364 appearances, cementing himself as the fifth-highest scorer in Liverpool’s illustrious history, trailing only eight goals behind Billy Liddell. His knack for finding the back of the net, especially during pivotal moments, is unmatched. Saturday’s goal, a curling masterpiece into the far corner, marked the 48th time Salah has scored a match-winner in the Premier League – a statistic that underscores his clutch performances.

BBC pundit and former Manchester City defender Micah Richards was unequivocal in his assessment during Match of the Day: “They have got to sign Mo Salah up, it is imperative they give him a two-year deal. He doesn’t have to play well to score goals and have big moments. That is the difference between a very good player and a top player.”

Despite having been primarily known as a winger, Salah’s consistent output has defied expectations. Only Wayne Rooney and Salah have managed to both score and assist 10 or more goals across five different Premier League seasons, a record Salah looks to make his own this campaign as he already boasts six goals and five assists.

Key Players and Their Impact

Salah’s importance to Liverpool is apparent, but he is not alone in shaping the club’s success. Defenders Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been pillars in Liverpool’s recent rise, contributing significantly to their achievements. Together, these three form the backbone of a squad that has reached three Champions League finals, securing one title, as well as claiming their first Premier League trophy, an FA Cup, and two League Cups.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher summed up their significance: “We are talking about the three most influential players, alongside the goalkeeper [Alisson]. They are all legendary figures at that club and it’s probably down to them this season why it has gone so well.”

Since Van Dijk’s record-breaking £75m transfer from Southampton in January 2018, injuries have occasionally disrupted the trio’s availability. Still, they have played together in 59% of Liverpool’s matches, with a win percentage of 70% in those games – a figure that dips to 59% when they do not play. Van Dijk’s own contributions are monumental, as Liverpool’s win percentage without him plummets to 52%. His influence on the pitch is so significant that he boasts the seventh highest win rate in Premier League history.

Alexander-Arnold, meanwhile, has emerged as one of football’s most creative full-backs. Since his debut in December 2016, he has delivered 59 assists in the league, placing him fourth in that period. His precision on set-pieces has also seen him score six free-kicks, trailing only James Ward-Prowse and James Maddison. Salah, Alexander-Arnold, and Van Dijk together have become synonymous with Liverpool’s modern era of dominance.

Contract Uncertainty: What Lies Ahead?

The real concern for Liverpool is what might happen if these contract discussions falter. Salah, Van Dijk, and Alexander-Arnold are all in the final stages of their current deals. In just over two months, they will be able to negotiate with other clubs and potentially leave on a free transfer by season’s end. This situation is particularly unusual for a club of Liverpool’s stature, especially given that these players are vital first-team regulars.

There has already been significant interest from other clubs. Real Madrid have been reportedly eyeing Alexander-Arnold, particularly after Dani Carvajal’s unfortunate ACL injury left a gap in their defensive line-up. As for Salah, he has been linked with a potential move to Saudi Arabia, with reports indicating Liverpool turned down a substantial £150m offer in the summer of 2023.

Liverpool’s current manager, Arne Slot, who succeeded Jurgen Klopp in the summer, has expressed a pragmatic stance on the situation. “For me, the contract situation could become a problem if the players don’t perform as well as they do at the moment,” Slot remarked during a press conference. “At the moment all three of them are in a good place, all of them perform really, really, really well.”

Virgil van Dijk, who now captains the club, has echoed similar sentiments. While there are ongoing discussions between the club and the players’ representatives, concrete outcomes remain uncertain. Slot added, “Let’s wait and see but all what he [Van Dijk] said is completely right in that he doesn’t exactly know what the future will be as long as he doesn’t sign the contract yet.”

Photo: IMAGO

Perspectives from the Fans and Pundits

Among Liverpool supporters, opinions vary. While many are confident that their club legends will remain, a hint of apprehension surrounds Salah’s future. The lucrative nature of Saudi Arabia’s recent transfer spree has been a topic of conversation, especially given Salah’s age and potential interest in one last substantial contract.

Jamie Carragher shared his views on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Friday Football Social, saying: “I’m pretty confident that the two older lads will sign. They are probably at the stage of their careers where it is difficult to move to a better club than Liverpool. I think Salah will be desperate to break as many records as he can at Liverpool.”

However, Alexander-Arnold’s case is more complex. At 26, he is at a different stage of his career, and the allure of Real Madrid could be tempting. Carragher continued: “Trent is in a different situation and that’s probably the one people are most worried with Real Madrid potentially interested. Dani Carvajal has just done his ACL so they are probably desperate for a right-back for the next 18 months.”

The Road Ahead for Liverpool

As the season progresses, the decisions made over these contracts will be crucial for Liverpool’s future. With Salah, Alexander-Arnold, and Van Dijk embodying the essence of the club’s success in recent years, their potential departures could mark a significant shift. Whether driven by financial prudence, career ambition, or a pursuit of legacy, the trio’s choices will determine not just their own careers but the trajectory of Liverpool as a football powerhouse.

For now, Liverpool fans wait with bated breath, hoping that the club’s key players will commit to a future at Anfield.