Klopp statement says it all about Mo Salah as Liverpool given clear message

Liverpool could miss out on what Jurgen Klopp says are Mohamed Salah's 'best years' after the Egyptian revealed he is more likely to leave next summer than stay.

Salah admitted he is “disappointed” by Liverpool's failure to offer him a new contract following Liverpool's 3-2 win over Southampton on Sunday, where he scored twice to give Arne Slot's side eight points clear at the top of the table the Premier League.

The Reds face an alarming situation with three of their key players – Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Salah – free from January 1 to negotiate a move away with other clubs at the end of the season.

Salah's future has been the subject of much speculation given his contract is about to expire, as well as interest from Saudi Arabia in recent years, with Liverpool rejecting a huge £150 million bid from Al-Ittihad. At 32, Salah's scintillating form is as important as ever to the Reds' success so far this season, indicating his departure would be a huge blow to Slot's project.

The Dutch manager's predecessor Klopp expressed the same sentiment when Salah signed a three-year contract extension in 2022 and predicted that the two-time African Player of the Year, the best in a Liverpool shirt, was still to come. Klopp was manager when Salah joined the club in 2017 and helped mold him into one of the best players in the world until his own departure in the summer.

On signing a new deal, Salah said: “This is a special treat for our supporters to enjoy their weekend even more. I'm sure there will be some celebration tonight for this news. Really happy, really happy. is the best.” decision for us and the best decision for him.

“He belongs with us, I think. This is his club now. I have no doubt that Mo's best years are still to come. And that is saying something, because the first five seasons here were legendary.”

Salah's new comments, shared on Monday, revealed the latest bombshell surrounding his unresolved contract situation, raising the likelihood that he will leave Anfield after the current season. Yet there were also positive signs from Liverpool's perspective as he indicated he is keen to stay put, noting he has a good relationship with the Anfield faithful.

He said after the match on Sunday: “Well, we're almost in December and I haven't received any offers to stay at the club yet. I'm probably out and about more than I am in.”

“You know I have been at the club for years. There is no club like this. But ultimately it's out of my hands. As I said before, it's December and I haven't received anything about my future yet.”

Asked if he was disappointed with the lack of offers from Liverpool, Salah replied: “Of course, yes. I love the fans. The fans love me. Ultimately, it's not in my hands, nor 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. Very professional. Everyone can see my work ethic .

“I'm just trying to enjoy my football and play at the highest level for as long as possible. I'm just doing my best because this is who I am and I'm trying to give everything for myself and for the club.” We'll see what happens next.” Liverpool and Slot have not yet publicly responded to Salah's comments.

Salah made 367 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 223 goals in all competitions, while becoming the Premier League's all-time leading goalscorer with 165 goals. In seven and a half seasons he has won the Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup winners' trophies.