Mo Salah has hit Liverpool with an explosive contract ultimatum and warned he is more likely to leave the club than stay at Anfield.
The Egyptian king's current contract expires at the end of the season and he could start talking to potential rival suitors abroad in just five weeks. But in an astonishing outburst after his two-goal burst saved Liverpool from rock bottom Southampton, Salah warned: “We are almost into December and I have not yet received any offers to stay at the club. I'm probably outside more than inside.”
Salah, 32, admitted he was disappointed with the lack of progress, and his revelation shakes things up at the start of a big week with Wednesday night's Champions League match against Real Madrid followed by title foes Manchester City visiting Fort Anfield. Fans are alarmed that Salah's contract situation remains unresolved, with captain Virgil van Dijk and England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold also nearing the end of their existing contracts.
The Kop hero, whose 223 goals in 367 appearances helped Liverpool to the Champions League in 2019 and their first title in 30 years the following season, is the first to break ranks and voice his frustration.
He said: “You know I have been at the club for many years. There is no club like this. But ultimately it's out of my hands. Like I said, it's December and I haven't received anything about my future yet. I love the fans and the fans love me. But ultimately it's not in my hands and it's not in the hands of the fans.”
Asked if he was saddened by the lack of progress, Salah added: “Of course, yes. 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.
“I am very professional. Everyone can see my work ethic. I just try to enjoy my football and play at the highest level for as long as possible.”
Liverpool are said to be upset that Salah – whose current deal is worth around £300,000-a-week – has spoken out. Although there is no concrete contract offer on the table, his representative Ramy Abbas Issa is said to have held constructive talks with the club.
In August 2023, Liverpool rejected a £150 million-plus bid for their top scorer from Saudi Arabian club Al-ittihad, but they are desperate to let him walk away as a free agent this summer. When asked about his uncertain future at the start of this season, Salah shrugged: “No one at the club has spoken to me about contracts yet, so I just thought: 'Okay, I'll play my last season and see at the end of the season. '.”
But he hesitates to talk about any continued Saudi interest, adding: “I don't want to talk about that. I'm focused on the team now.”
Salah dropped the bombshell after his second-half goals saved Liverpool at St Mary's and put them eight points clear at the top with a hard-fought 3-2 win. He admitted: “We weren't at our best, but it's an important win. After the other international breaks we struggled against Forest and Chelsea. I'm happy that we were able to win after being 2-1 down.
“I just play my game, try to relax and just play. The whole team now has chemistry with the new manager. Hopefully we keep winning and eventually win something.”
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