Liverpool fans are still celebrating after seeing Mohamed Salah extend his contract with the club until 2027.
Salah has been at the centre of a drawn out contractual saga this season, but has ultimately opted to stay on with the Reds.
It is superb news for Liverpool supporters, who have seen the Egyptian break record after record since his arrival in 2017.
Ironically given all they achieved together at Anfield, had Jurgen Klopp had his way, Salah would never have landed at Liverpool at all.
Klopp wanted to sign Julian Brandt, then of Bayer Leverkusen instead of the then Roma winger. Luckily the Reds data boffins convinced the former Liverpool manager that Salah was the way to go instead.
But having missed out on top target Brandt, Klopp was clearly still delighted to see his new No.11 join eight years ago.
How Jurgen Klopp welcomed Mohamed Salah
As Salah signs a contract which could take him into a decade of service at Liverpool, it is fascinating to look back on his arrival.
“Mohamed has the perfect mix of experience and potential – this is a really exciting signing for us,” Klopp said via liverpoolfc.com at the time.
“He knows the Premier League, he has pedigree in the Champions League and he is one of the most important players for his country.
“His record in Italy has been outstanding and he possesses qualities that will enhance our team and squad. I have followed him since he emerged at Basel and he has matured into a really good player.”
Klopp showed no signs of being upset at missing out on Brandt for Salah, instead hailing his new signing’s ‘incredible’ pace and his hunger to succeed.
“His pace is incredible, he gives us more attacking threat and we are already strong in this area. I like that we will make it even more competitive,” said the German.
“Most important though, for us, is that he is hungry, willing and eager to be even better and improve further. He believes in what we are trying to do here at Liverpool and is extremely keen to be part of it. He is very excited about performing for our wonderful supporters.
“He is an ambitious player who wants to win and win at the highest level; he knows he can fulfil those ambitions with Liverpool. I welcome him and his family into our Liverpool family.”
What did Salah say about Klopp?
Klopp and Salah’s relationship was the subject of much scrutiny during their shared seven years together with Liverpool. But as the player himself said only recently, he and his former boss were usually on good terms.
Salah revealed he has been texting Klopp this season, showcasing that the two Liverpool legends are not on bad terms at all.
Rewind to 2017, and all of that was still to come. But, judging by Salah’s words at the time, he knew exactly what he was letting himself in for under Klopp at Liverpool.
“Everyone can see the coach gives everything,” Salah said of Klopp. “I hope to see that together we can give everything to win something for the club, for the supporters and for us.”
They certainly managed that. Jurgen may no longer be leading the charge, but Mo’s new deal ensures that there can still
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