Liverpool could be set to lose one of their most important players in the near future.
The Reds have been flying this season. Their return to form after a dismal year in 2022/23 has underlined just how good some of their players really are.
Although there have been a number of top performers for Jurgen Klopp, arguably the best of them all has been Mohamed Salah. Halfway through the Premier League season, Salah tops the charts for both goals and assists. As Curtis Jones said after Monday’s win over Newcastle, the Egyptian is truly ‘world-class.’
However, the amazing displays from Mo have only gone to serve as a reminder of how much they need him. It makes the speculation that he could soon leave for Saudi Arabia all the more disconcerting. And speaking on the 31-year-old’s future for ESPN, pundit Janusz Michallik suggested that Liverpool fans should enjoy Salah while they can, because he may only have one or two more years to give them.
“He’s evolving, because this is not the same Mo Salah we remember two or three years ago where he was able to beat two, three, four players on the run, he’s doing it a different way,” remarked the former USA international. “He sets up a lot of goals as well, we forget that.
“I just think he’s going to be one of those legends, even if he leaves he’s going to be a legend. But I think we’re going to see another year or two out of Mo Salah at Liverpool.”
Michallik predicts Salah exit
In one way, this is actually encouraging news for Liverpool supporters. Some reports would have Salah now entering his final six months at Anfield.
Another year would take him up to the end of his current contract, while a further one would mean the Egypt captain signing a new deal.
So, seen in that light, Michallik’s view should be taken as a positive one from a Liverpool perspective.
Nevertheless, it’s a sobering thought that Salah may be down to the final throes of his Reds career. At 31, that maybe shouldn’t be a surprise. But in the shape that he’s in, the £34m man could play on for another seven or eight years.
Liverpool fans would love to see him play that out at their club. Michallik is right of course, Salah is a legend whatever he does next. But stay until he hangs up his boots, and the forward could become the greatest ever Reds player.
Leave within the next year or two and Ian Rush’s all-time goal-scoring record will stay well out of his reach. Carry on though, and Mo could well break it.
You get the feeling that this summer will be crucial to it all. If the Saudis come back with another huge bid, Liverpool might be forced to take it. With one year left on Salah’s deal, a £100m+ offer would likely be too good to turn down.
But if their No.11 is receptive to a new contract, then Liverpool should try everything to get that done. A year’s extension to keep the wolves at bay would be fine. Beyond that though, we want Mo to stay forever. One or two more years just isn’t enough.
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