Ian Rush tells Slot ‘you can’t buy’ what Salah brings amid contract standoff

Ian Rush believes 'everyone' associated with Liverpool wants Mohamed Salah to sign a new contract, insisting to Liverpool's hierarchy that 'you can't buy' what the Egyptian is offering.

“Me and Mo (Salah) talk quite a lot,” Rush told Mail Sport. “People talk about whether he stays or goes, but I just enjoy seeing him on the field. He is a pleasure to watch. If you think he hasn't done anything for twenty years, he'll come out with one or two goals.

'You can't buy that. That's special and he's a special player. Everyone wants him to stay,” said Liverpool's record goalscorer.

Rush's comments came a day after Salah told reporters of his disappointment at not yet being offered a new contract by Liverpool and that he is 'probably more out than in' with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season.

Salah's brace at Southampton helped Liverpool to an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League and the 32-year-old now has 100 away goals for Liverpool – a tally surpassed only by Rush (161) and Roger Hunt (112). Salah is also third in Liverpool's all-time top scorers list with 223 goals, behind Rush (339) and Hunt (267).

And Rush admitted at the 2024 Northwest Football Awards in Manchester that he is not surprised by Liverpool's start under Arne Slot.

Under the Dutchman they have secured 31 points from a possible 36 in the Premier League and have a 100 per cent record in the Champions League, heading into a blockbuster week.

Liverpool host Real Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday before hosting Manchester City on Sunday, where a win would put them 11 points clear of Pep Guardiola's side.

'I'm not surprised. It was always going to be difficult to come in after Jurgen (Klopp). I was with them on the pre-season tour and they were fantastic and they carried that into the season. There's still a long way to go, but I'm happy,” Rush said.

'I'm happy that the two games are at Anfield this week. You don't get many bigger games. The supporters will get behind the players and hopefully the players will respond to that. I'm looking forward to it. Liverpool are a bit more patient now, but they are still creating chances and it is a pleasure to watch.”