Mohamed Salah, the prolific Egyptian winger for Liverpool, has become the center of intense speculation as his contract draws closer to its expiration and potential transfer to Paris Saint-Germain looms. Salah's current deal with Liverpool is set to run out at the end of the season, and with the January transfer window just around the corner, discussions surrounding his future have escalated.
Reports have circulated indicating Salah and his representatives have been engaged with PSG, leading many to believe the club is considering acquiring him on a free transfer. According to L'Equipe, the Salah camp is using PSG to pressure Liverpool for improved contract negotiations. While PSG is not actively pursuing Salah, sources suggest there have been discussions between the two parties for some time.
Andy Brassell, talkSPORT's European correspondent, highlights the tension: "PSG have denied [being in talks], but sources are claiming the two parties have been in discussions for a long time, except this time Salah has opened the door." He hinted at the possibility of Salah signing with PSG if he chose to do so, saying, "if they get an opportunity to sign Mohamed Salah, there is no way they are turning it down." Indeed, Salah may officially begin negotiations with other clubs starting January 1, where he can enter pre-contract agreements.
Salah's dissatisfaction with Liverpool's contract discussions has made headlines. After Liverpool's recent match against Southampton, he expressed his feelings openly, stating he felt he was “more out than in” and was disappointed by the absence of any new contract offer. "I love the fans. The fans love me. But in the end, it is not my hands or the fans’ hands. Let’s wait and see," he reasserted during the interview.
While Salah's primary interest appears to be extending his stay at Anfield, the continuing uncertainty and delays have led him to reconsider his long-term future with the club. With Liverpool's management slow on the draw to formalize his new contract, the possibility of external suitors, including PSG and potential interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, complicates the narrative.
PSG reportedly is retaining its distance, stating they haven’t actively held talks with the player or his representatives. Yet, as Salah gears up for the next chapter, teams seem to look at his potential availability with immense interest. Salah is each passing day is also becoming more susceptible to various external influences, especially as he turns 33 next June, where his age might begin affecting negotiations.
Meanwhile, Liverpool remains atop the Premier League standings, with Salah continuing to play pivotal roles for the team. His performance has sparked rumors, as clubs keep their eyes peeled for new talent. Just recently, Salah demonstrated he still holds incredible value as he converted a penalty during the tense 3-2 victory over Manchester City, notching his 224th goal for the club. Despite the uncertainties about his contract and club loyalty, Salah remains focused on winning titles this season.
Adding to the intrigue is the looming financial question: Salah’s previous contract, which reportedly made him Liverpool's highest-paid player at £350,000 per week, is now up for review. Any new offer is expected to see adjustments to his terms, creating friction along the negotiations.
Such conditions are not just limited to Salah. His fellow teammates Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold also face contract uncertainty, creating additional questions about the team's future core. Van Dijk has declared he has “no update” on his contract situation. With reports linking Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, Liverpool’s management is under pressure to respond rapidly to the concerns of their superstar players.
Salah's future seems entangled within the clubs' plans, and Liverpool's decision-making processes could be pivotal. The stage is set for what could be one of the most talked-about transfers of next summer. With all eyes on the January window, the question remains: will Liverpool secure Salah's future at Anfield, or will he find himself donning the blue of PSG come next season?
