Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool Contract: What’s Really Going On?

Liverpool’s current dilemma isn’t just about retaining talent; it’s about defining the club’s future. Central to this conversation is the uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah’s contract. As one of the most crucial players in Liverpool’s modern history, the question looms: why hasn’t a deal been reached yet? This uncertainty extends to Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold as well, but Salah’s case stands out due to his status and the interest from global football giants. Let’s explore the intricacies of this situation, the factors at play, and what might happen next.

Why Has Salah’s Contract Situation Reached This Point?

In 2022, when Mohamed Salah signed his current three-year contract, he became Liverpool’s highest-paid player, earning a staggering £350,000 per week, not including performance bonuses. This deal solidified Salah’s place as a key figure at Anfield, but it also came at a time of considerable interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, a country heavily investing in football through its Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Salah’s importance to Liverpool is unquestionable. Since his last contract renewal, he has netted 56 goals in 96 appearances, proving his consistency and value. Yet, despite his contributions and the clear interest from abroad, Liverpool’s new sporting director, Richard Hughes, has only introduced himself to Salah’s agent, Ramy Abbas, without initiating any renewal discussions. “Though Liverpool’s new sporting director Richard Hughes has introduced himself to Abbas, there have been no discussions about a renewal,” Simon Hughes writes in The Athletic. This delay has left fans and industry insiders baffled.

What Factors Are Influencing Salah’s Decision?

Mohamed Salah is not just considering financial incentives. Since 2020, Liverpool have won three cup finals, but Salah’s involvement in these victories has been limited due to injuries. His desire to succeed on the field, especially after narrowly missing out on major titles, has made him more determined than ever to perform at his best. “Salah reflects on this period with some regret, so he is more determined than ever to succeed rather than focus on what comes next,” as Simon Hughes points out.

However, as much as Salah is focused on the present, the future is equally important. The post-Jürgen Klopp era at Liverpool is unfolding, with Arne Slot now at the helm, and Salah is keen to see how this new chapter plays out. His open-mindedness about his future contrasts sharply with the tense contract negotiations of 2022, which Abbas described as the most difficult of his career.

But money still matters. Liverpool may struggle to match the financial muscle of Saudi Arabian clubs, especially with Al Ittihad’s continued interest. Salah is aware that he could command an enormous signing-on fee if he decides to move to Saudi Arabia, a country where his popularity in the Middle East could make him one of the league’s marquee signings.

Liverpool’s Perspective: Balancing Legacy and Economics

Liverpool’s management faces a challenging decision. The club’s owner, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), is known for prioritising financial sustainability, which has often frustrated fans. Salah’s age, 33 by the end of his current contract, is a significant factor in FSG’s reluctance to offer lengthy, lucrative deals to players in their thirties. “Salah’s age has to be a factor in FSG’s thinking. Liverpool’s owner prioritises financial sustainability, to the irritation of many fans, and has historically been reluctant to give long contract extensions to players in their thirties,” Simon Hughes notes.

Yet, replacing Salah’s productivity on the field would be incredibly difficult. Even in what was considered a “bad” season for him, Salah still managed to score 25 goals. His expected goals (xG) involvement ranked just behind Erling Haaland, demonstrating that he remains one of the Premier League’s top performers. As Simon Hughes puts it, “From Liverpool’s perspective, replacing Salah’s yield would not be easy.”

But there’s more at stake than just goals. Salah’s departure would affect Liverpool’s brand and marketability, particularly in the Middle East, where he is an icon. Any decision to let him go would need to consider the broader impact on the club’s global reach.

Potential Outcomes: Where Could Salah Go?

The most obvious option on the table is a move to Saudi Arabia. Al Ittihad have already shown strong interest, and given the country’s significant investment in football, this is a real possibility. A move there would not only boost Salah’s bank balance but also increase the visibility of the Saudi Pro League. However, such a move isn’t without its challenges.

Salah’s attachment to England and his current lifestyle might make a move to Saudi Arabia less appealing than it seems on paper. Simon Hughes discusses the geopolitical context: “Salah has fought ferociously since becoming a global brand to remain independent of any religion, nation, or government. He wants to be judged as a footballer, rather than where he is from or his faith.”

The United States is another possible destination, with the MLS offering a different kind of challenge. The league is further along in its development compared to Saudi Arabia, and the presence of Lionel Messi, combined with the upcoming 2026 World Cup, could make the U.S. an attractive option. Though the financial rewards wouldn’t match those in Saudi Arabia, the lifestyle and footballing infrastructure might appeal to Salah.

Then, of course, there’s the possibility of staying in Europe. While Salah is unlikely to join a direct Premier League rival due to his respect for Liverpool, a move to a top European club could still be on the cards. However, such a decision would have to balance financial incentives with maintaining his legacy at Liverpool.

The Uncertain Road Ahead

Liverpool’s management has a tough road ahead. Balancing financial prudence with the need to keep one of their top performers is no easy task. For Salah, the decision is equally complex. Staying at Liverpool would secure his legacy at one of Europe’s most storied clubs, but a move abroad offers financial rewards that the club simply can’t match.

As the January transfer window approaches, the clock is ticking for Liverpool to make their move. For now, Salah remains focused on the present, but the questions about his future continue to grow louder.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Simon Hughes’ report raises significant worries. The idea that Salah, one of our greatest ever players, could leave for Saudi Arabia or elsewhere without proper engagement from the club is troubling. Richard Hughes’ apparent lack of urgency in renewing Salah’s contract is baffling. We understand FSG’s focus on financial sustainability, but this is Mohamed Salah we’re talking about — a player who has consistently delivered at the highest level.

The potential consequences of losing Salah are massive. His influence on the pitch is matched by his impact off it. Beyond the goals, Salah represents everything that has been great about this Liverpool era. Losing him, especially without a clear succession plan, could send the club into a tailspin similar to what we’ve seen with other high-profile departures in recent years.

In our view, the club must do everything within reason to secure Salah’s future at Anfield. If it comes down to a choice between preserving financial stability or retaining one of the best players in the world, the club should lean towards the latter. Without Salah, the gap between Liverpool and Europe’s elite will only widen.