Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah is encouraged to disregard interest from Saudi Arabia and instead concentrate on establishing a significant legacy at Liverpool. This advice comes even if he achieves Premier League and Champions League victories this season.
This season could potentially be the 32-year-old’s last at Anfield as his contract is nearing its end this summer, and progress on a new agreement seems slow.
Liverpool faces crucial decisions in the coming months, as key players Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk are also in similar contract situations as Salah.
Diaa El-Sayed, Salah’s former under-20 coach in Egypt in 2011, who played a role in transforming him from a left-back to a prolific goal scorer, mentions that everyone in Egypt supports Liverpool because of Salah. They would be delighted to see him conclude his career at Merseyside.
In an exclusive interview from Cairo, El-Sayed stated: “I have known Salah since his youth, and I recognize his integrity as a person.”
“He’s experienced eight remarkable years at Liverpool, achieving incredible statistics.”
“His time at Liverpool has been exceptional, thanks to his teammates, managers, the media, and the fans.”
“Naturally, I hope he remains at Liverpool. We in Egypt wish for him to extend his stay beyond this summer.”
“I am also aware of Salah’s affection for Liverpool and the city.”
“He would prefer to stay at Liverpool and complete his impressive football career there. I am not keen on rumors of him moving to Saudi Arabia, PSG, or any other club.”
“Because of him, we are all Liverpool supporters, and we hope to see him finish his career there.”
Salah currently leads the Premier League scoring chart with 25 goals in 28 matches and has climbed to third place on Liverpool’s all-time top scorers list, with 131 goals in 241 appearances. Only Roger Hunt (152) and Ian Rush (166) have scored more.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been cautious in his comments regarding Salah’s future, especially given the speculations linking him to a move to Saudi Arabia.
The Liverpool manager commented: "Everyone desires him, including us. We naturally want him to extend his contract – that’s evident.”
“It’s not surprising that Saudi Arabia is interested in him, and I wouldn’t be surprised if other countries also showed interest.”
“He is mature and wise enough, and with his accomplished career, he will make the best decision for himself, and we hope it aligns with our interests as well.”
- West Ham 2 Liverpool 2 – April 28, 2024
Salah had a heated discussion with Klopp, refusing to shake hands before entering the game at the London Stadium.
- Liverpool 3 Sheffield United 1 – April 4, 2024
Salah shook his head upon being substituted during Liverpool’s 3-1 victory.
- Chelsea 1 Liverpool 1 – August 13, 2023
Salah showed frustration after being replaced in the 77th minute of the season opener.
- Brighton 1 Liverpool 1 – November 28, 2020
Salah reacted negatively to being substituted, barely acknowledging Klopp. Brighton later equalized.
- Burnley 0 Liverpool 3 – August 31, 2019
Salah and Sadio Mane had a public disagreement over passing decisions. Roberto Firmino mentioned the tension had been building.
