Sport
Mohamed Salah: Liverpool forward says he is ‘probably more out than in’ with Reds still yet to offer Egyptian new contract
Mohamed Salah says he is disappointed that he has yet to get a new contract from Liverpool and that he is “probably more out than in” as his current deal expires at the end of the season.
That will be alarming news for the Liverpool supporters, who chanted his name during the second half of the 3-2 win over Southampton on Sunday, when the Egyptian scored twice to seal a comeback and extend the Reds' lead to the top of the Premier to expand. League table.
Salah is having a fantastic season, with ten goals and six assists in his first twelve league matches of the season. But the prospects of him extending his eight-season stay at Liverpool remain unclear.
“Well, we're almost into December and I haven't received any offers to stay at the club yet,” the 32-year-old told the media after the match at St Mary's. 'I'm probably outside more than inside.
“You know I have been at the club for years. There is no club like it. But ultimately it is not in my hands. As I said before, it is December and I have not yet received anything about my future.” .”
Asked if he was disappointed there had been no offer from Liverpool, Salah said: “Of course, yes. I love the fans. The fans love me. Ultimately it's not in my hands or in the hands of the fans .Let's wait and see.
“I'm not retiring anytime soon so I'm just playing, focusing on the season and trying to win the Premier League and hopefully the Champions League too. I'm disappointed but we'll see.”
In September, Salah told Sky Sports: “Nobody at the club has spoken to me about contracts, so I just said, 'Okay, I'll play my last season' and see what happens at the end of the season.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk are also out of contract this summer.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot said on November 1: 'All three are playing really well at the moment and there are ongoing discussions with the people Virgil says he needs to talk to, which as you know isn't me. I talk to him about other things.”
Carra desperately wants Salah to stay
Sky Sports Jamie Carragher:
“I think the issue is clear, it's what Mo Salah thinks he's worth, whether it's financial terms or contract length. It's different to what Liverpool feel at the moment.”
“I hope they meet somewhere in the middle, somewhere between now and the end of the season, because I'd like to see him in a Liverpool shirt next season.
“We have all been there as players when you get to that stage of your career. Your age is getting higher and that is a factor for some clubs. They look at the data and analysis, it is not just Salah's idea. ” be a great player for Liverpool.
“This is what he will do for Liverpool in the future. That is what they are talking about. I have no problem with a contract not being offered yet because they are clearly in discussions.”
“There's no point in Liverpool making an offer that they know Salah will reject. I hope it gets resolved.”
Analysis: A compromise is needed on both sides, but it has to work
Melissa Reddy, senior reporter, Sky Sports News:
“You understand why Salah has called it that. He has no new offer on the table, it's almost December and he can speak to foreign clubs in January, which is just a blink of an eye away.”
“It is important to emphasize that negotiations are ongoing between Liverpool and Salah's representative Remy Abbas. I am told they are open and discussions are developing. But ultimately a formal proposal will only be made once you agree on all the terms you discuss.”
“Things are moving in the right direction, but there is clearly a gap between what Salah wants and what Liverpool are willing to put on the table. There needs to be a compromise on both sides.”
“Liverpool need to think about long-term squad planning, the age profile of the team and sustainable operations. But they should adjust their parameters for Salah.”
“He still wants to compete for domestic titles and the Champions League. Looking around, which top club would have room for him, and the ability to pay him what he deserves, and give him the freedom he wants?”
“He has made it abundantly clear that he loves Liverpool and wants to stay. So there has to be a bit of compromise on his side too, and because there is the will on both sides to get a deal done, it will happen eventually.” .”
“There is an element at Liverpool that is aware that whatever concessions they make with Salah, they also have to resolve two other major contract issues with Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, so there could be a knock-on effect there. ” .
“I'm told the club is very calm, but you can understand why the players, especially with Salah's status, don't feel that way.”