Liverpool fans are preparing themselves for another summer of will Mohamed Salah stay or leave.
Given the growing strength of the Saudi Pro League and how they are luring some of Europe’s best players to their shores, it’s only a matter of time before they knock the door down for Mohamed Salah.
The timing of this couldn’t be worse for Liverpool because they are already losing Jurgen Klopp at the end of the season.
One legendary figure departing is hard enough to take and all that comes with trying to replace him.
Those at Anfield have to do everything they can to ensureSaudi Arabia don’t get their hands on Salah.
But there is one issue. Not his touchline spat with Klopp at West Ham United, but his current contract situation.
The 31-year-old’s current deal expires in 2025 and something has got to give this summer.
That’s where attention turns to the returning Michael Edwards and how fans are hoping he can work his magic again.
Transfer expert Ben Jacobs, who has close links to the Saudi Pro League, shared that Saudi dealmakers are prepared to wait until 2025 to get their man, as he told CaughtOffside on Tuesday evening.
Bearing that in mind, Edwards and Co. are now tasked with trying to tie down Salah to a new contract.
It’s all to ensure that the value of the player remains intact, and if he does leave, then it’s a win-win situation for all.
Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool future
“Liverpool expect Salah to stay and be part of Arne Slot’s squad,” said Jacobs.
“And both Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes will be tasked with, not only convincing him to do one more season at Liverpool but, as importantly, extend his deal.
“Sources have always indicated Saudi dealmakers are prepared to wait until 2025 for Salah. This could allow them to get him on a free transfer, and Salah would naturally seek a healthy signing-on fee should that scenario materialise.
“From Liverpool’s perspective, they want Salah to extend, since this means should a Saudi offer arrive in 2025, they can still get a healthy fee if they wish to sell, likely in excess of £70m with bonuses on top. Salah extending would also stop Liverpool having to deal with speculation this summer; or potentially consider an astronomical offer that has financial merit should Saudi try again this summer. Although that can’t entirely be ruled out, there is low confidence amongst Saudi dealmakers that Salah wants to leave Liverpool or Europe just yet.”
Mohamed Salah and Arne Slot
Aside from probably Virgil van Dijk, there isn’t going to be a player more important to Arne Slot than Salah.
The Dutchman is expected to replace Klopp at Anfield next season and the senior players are going to be very important to his success.
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Put aside what the team is currently producing. It’s out-of-character and everything and anything is going wrong. They just need the season to end now.
But if Salah and van Dijk are their old selves next season, then there is no reason why the team can’t challenge for the Premier League title.