Liverpool left themselves in an unwanted situation with Mohamed Salah in the final year of his contract, so Paul Merson thinks they might now have to make a sacrifice.
The Reds’ Egyptian King is not the only Liverpool player out of contract in 2025, as well, with five first-team stars holding expiring deals. Salah last agreed to sign new terms in July 2022, which ensured he stayed on Merseyside for at least an eighth season but a ninth is in doubt.
Speaking after helping the Anfield outfit to win 3-0 at Manchester United earlier this month, Salah admitted ‘it’s my last year’ at Liverpool. Efforts do remain ongoing at the Reds to coax a U-turn from the forward, however, with Liverpool determined to at least try to keep Salah.
Paul Merson would give Mohamed Salah a new contract at Liverpool over Virgil van Dijk
But while Liverpool want to speak with Salah about a new contract, the Reds also need to sit down with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk about their futures. The trio are due to become free agents in July and can start speaking with overseas clubs as soon as January.
If it were up to Merson, Liverpool would have each of Salah, Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk sign new contracts. But the Arsenal icon feels the Reds could face having to pick between at least Salah or Van Dijk, and should consider sacrificing the latter if it means the former stays.
READ MORE: Everything to know on Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah from his wife to net worth
“I’m a bit surprised Liverpool have allowed their contracts to run down this far,” Merson has told Sportskeeda. “I wouldn’t let any of them go. Alexander-Arnold is the best passer in the league. But if you need to win big, you need goals and a spine.
“That’s what makes Salah and Van Dijk important. If I’m asked to choose between Salah or Van Dijk, I’d keep Salah. If they can at least extend contracts of two of these three players, I feel they’ll still be in a really good place.”
Mohamed Salah is showing what Liverpool risk losing in a free transfer
Salah is certainly showing Liverpool what they risk losing if he does not agree to sign a new contract. The forward has started the 2024/25 Premier League season with three goals and three assists in three games. No Reds player has influenced nearly as many goals this term.
While Luis Diaz has also scored three goals – with Diogo Jota the one other Liverpool player to net once – the Colombian only has one assist. Dominik Szoboszlai and Jota are the other Liverpool players to record an assist with two and one from three appearances respectively.
But Liverpool seemingly have an uphill fight to persuade Salah to sign a new contract given his public admission about considering a future away from Anfield. Salah would surely also give further thought to leaving if the Reds let other key players leave next summer, though.
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