‘I’d imagine…’- Jamie Carragher shares Mohamed Salah contract verdict at Liverpool
Jamie Carragher believes Mohamed Salah will extend his Liverpool contract to continue breaking Premier League records.
The Egyptian scored his fifth goal of the season via the penalty spot in the 2-1 win against Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday [20 October].
Salah is into the final year of his contract on Merseyside and will be free to negotiate a move away from the Reds in January. However, Carragher said live on Sky Sports [20 October] that he thinks a desire to be one of the league’s highest-ever scorers will lead to a contract renewal.
He said: “He’ll have an eye on Thierry Henry (175) and Frank Lampard (177) by the end of this season, I’d imagine. I think stats like this are one of the biggest reasons Salah will sign a contract at Liverpool.
“Of course there will talk about money and length of contract, but I think these are the things that really get the juices flowing for Mo Salah, he breaks every record at Liverpool.
“But getting up as far as he can up those lists are a big part of his focus as a player. I’m not saying he’s selfish, he’s a great team player.”
Will Mohamed Salah extend his contract at Liverpool
Out of the three Liverpool players into the final 12 months of their contract, Salah is the one who seems least likely to extend his stay beyond the current season.
While Trent Alexander-Arnold is widely expected to complete a move to Real Madrid at the end of the season, the Scouser is giving priority to his boyhood club to present a suitable offer [DaveOCKOP] and should tie down a long-term contract before the winter transfer window.
Virgil van Dijk’s contract situation has flown under the radar, but the Reds captain will also be expected to extend his stay at Anfield.
Salah is irreplaceable at Liverpool. The numbers he has produced from the right flank are mind-blowing and potentially a feat that may never be replicated again in the Premier League, so the club should reward his efforts.
However, Michael Edwards is notorious for his stance on offering big-money contracts to players over 30. Van Dijk may be willing to extend on nominal terms, but Salah is by far the highest earner at the club and can make a case he deserves to maintain a high salary.
This will be the main sticking point in negotiations and, with Saudi Arabian sides ready to pounce at any sign of a halt in talks, it could very well be the case that this will be Salah’s final campaign at Anfield.
Liverpool better have a contingency plan in place should the 32-year-old leave but, with the forward eager to continue playing at the highest level, allowing him to leave would be a monumental mistake for the club.
In other Liverpool news, Arne Slot issues a Diogo Jota injury update for the Reds ahead of the RB Leipzig clash.
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