If this indeed marks Mohamed Salah’s final season with Liverpool, he is certainly making a memorable exit. The Egyptian striker netted his 50th European goal for the club and his 22nd goal across all competitions this season, leading Arne Slot’s team to a crucial 2-1 victory over Lille on Tuesday, which secured their place in the Champions League round of 16.
Salah, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the season, expressed hope that this would not be his last campaign with the Merseyside club. Despite his stellar performances, which have helped Liverpool maintain their position at the top of both the Champions League and Premier League standings, the 32-year-old is facing the reality of becoming a free agent in just a few months. Since signing a three-year deal in 2022, he has been able to negotiate with clubs outside of England as of January 1. While Salah has indicated his desire to remain at Liverpool, he has also voiced frustrations regarding the lack of progress in contract negotiations, stating earlier this month that they are “far away” from an agreement.
The reasons for the delay in contract discussions remain unclear. At 32, this could be Salah’s last significant contract, and it is uncertain what financial terms he would seek to continue at Anfield, where he has become a club icon since joining from Roma in 2017, winning numerous trophies, including the Champions League and Premier League. Despite concerns about extending contracts for players in their 30s, Salah has shown no signs of declining performance, currently leading the Premier League scoring charts ahead of Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. His recent goal against Lille not only marked a personal milestone but also made him the first Liverpool player to reach 50 goals in European competitions.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has frequently addressed questions about Salah’s future. Following his impressive goal against Lille, Slot praised the striker’s contributions: “Special is the word that describes Mo’s performance at this club the best — or maybe there are even better words to use, but he’s been outstanding for this club for so many years.” As Salah explores his options, including potential interest from clubs abroad, he is not alone in facing contract uncertainty; key teammates, including captain Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, are also in the final months of their deals.
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