‘I’m confident’: Liverpool star backed to sign new contract by Neil Ruddock | OneFootball

Former Liverpool defender Neil Ruddock is confident that Mohamed Salah will commit his future to the club by signing a contract.

The Egypt international has been in exemplary form for the Merseyside giants this season. He has already bagged 13 goals and 11 assists in just 20 appearances in all competitions.

The 32-year-old has shown no signs of slowing down. Ruddock believes Liverpool will eventually reach an agreement with Salah as it makes more financial sense than spending £60-70 million on a replacement.

“I think Mo’s been offered a contract, but he hasn’t been offered the contract he wants – Liverpool are very clever,” Ruddock said in a recent interview.

“They’re not going to be held to ransom by any player, even Mo Salah, because players come and players go, but Liverpool will always be Liverpool.

“They will eventually come to some agreement because he’s one of those players you can’t really lose. How much would it cost to replace him? I don’t think you can replace him – he’s that good, even at his age now.

“With the form he’s in and the shape he’s in, it looks like he can keep operating at the top level for a few more seasons.

“It makes more financial sense to give him a new contract rather than spend £60-70 million in transfer fees and then six or seven million on wages. I’m confident that he’ll sign a new deal eventually.”

No-brainer decision

Salah has been in superb touch this season. Despite the change of managers, Salah has been hugely consistent with goal contributions in almost every game under Arne Slot.

Liverpool don’t have a readymade replacement for him in the squad. It appears a no-brainer decision to keep him for another one or two more seasons with a pay rise on his £350,000 per week salary.

As things stand, the Reds are yet to reach any sort of agreement with Salah, but a middle ground could be reached in the near future.

Salah will be free to negotiate a pre-contract with a foreign club from January onwards. Keeping this in mind, the hierarchy must step up discussions with Salah’s entourage to find a solution soon.

Liverpool are in a similar situation with Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contracts also expire next summer.

Contract extensions by January would be ideal to avoid unnecessary distraction in the Premier League title race towards the back end of the campaign.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Capology.com.