Liverpool find themselves at a critical juncture regarding Mohamed Salah’s future, as speculation mounts over the Egyptian star’s potential departure. The club’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, has a major task on his hands, having joined Liverpool from Bournemouth with the mission of securing key players to new contracts. With Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Salah all tied to deals expiring in June 2025, the pressure is mounting to clarify their futures. However, the uncertainty surrounding Salah has fans increasingly anxious.
While there has been reported progress in negotiations with van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold, talks with Salah appear to have stalled, fuelling concerns that Liverpool may be preparing to part ways with the 32-year-old forward.
This silence comes amid growing interest from Saudi clubs, particularly from the ambitious Saudi Pro League (SPL), which has been keen to lure Salah away from Anfield.
Salah’s form this season has been nothing short of impressive, netting three goals and three assists in just three Premier League appearances.
Despite his undeniable impact on the pitch, Liverpool have yet to initiate formal discussions about extending his contract, a delay that some see as deliberate and calculated by the club’s hierarchy.
For Liverpool, Salah has been a talisman during his seven-year tenure, delivering consistent goal-scoring performances that have propelled the club to domestic and European success.
However, upon deeper reflection, Liverpool’s hesitance to rush into a new long-term deal may be more understandable.
Salah, while still performing at an elite level, is approaching the twilight of his career.
Handing him a lucrative, multi-year extension could have long-term consequences for the club’s wage structure and future financial flexibility.
Liverpool may be weighing the risks of investing heavily in a player nearing 33, whose best years could soon be behind him.
While Salah’s contributions are invaluable, the club might view this as the right moment to begin planning for life after the Egyptian star.
A prudent approach to squad building, including shrewd scouting and investments in emerging talent, could allow Liverpool to find a successor capable of filling the void Salah would leave behind.
The SPL, particularly Al-Ittihad, made headlines last summer with an eye-watering £150 million bid to tempt Salah away from Merseyside.
Although the offer was rebuffed, the Saudi club’s interest is expected to intensify in the coming year, with many predicting they will return with an even larger bid to secure Salah’s signature.
Given Salah’s iconic status in the Middle East and North Africa, a move to the SPL could significantly elevate the league’s profile.
Packed stadiums and massive fan engagement would follow in the region, where Salah’s influence extends beyond the pitch.
In addition to the SPL, Major League Soccer (MLS) is another likely destination for Salah if he decides to leave Liverpool.
MLS clubs have shown they can compete financially with top European and Gulf teams, with the likes of Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami providing a prime example.
A move to the United States could offer Salah a lucrative contract while allowing him to continue his career in a less physically demanding league.
MLS could provide Salah with the platform to maintain his global profile while exploring a new footballing culture.
The league’s expanding reach and growing international stature could offer Salah both financial security and a prominent stage to continue shining as one of the world’s top forwards.
As Salah approaches the final 18 months of his contract, Liverpool must make a difficult decision.
The club’s priority is ensuring financial stability while maintaining competitiveness on the pitch.
Offering Salah a long-term deal at this stage of his career could potentially strain the club’s resources, making it harder to invest in future prospects.
While letting Salah go may be painful for fans, particularly given his status as a Liverpool legend, it could prove to be a wise strategic move.
The SPL and MLS both offer attractive options for Salah, and a move next summer could allow Liverpool to reinvest in younger talent to build for the future.
For now, Liverpool supporters will anxiously await any updates, knowing that the club’s decision could shape their fortunes for years to come.
