Liverpool set to make contract offer to Mo Salah after ‘positive’ talks

Liverpool is expected to present Mohamed Salah with a formal contract offer soon, with sources within the club suggesting that initial discussions have been promising.

Salah’s future has attracted considerable attention recently, with the Egyptian becoming increasingly vocal about the status of negotiations. After the 2-0 victory over Manchester City on Sunday, he told Sky Sports: “Honestly, that was in my head. This is, up until now, the last City game I play for Liverpool [at Anfield].”

Behind the scenes, individuals close to Salah have described the 32-year-old as feeling “exasperated” with the slow pace of talks with the club. However, Liverpool is said to have had “positive” discussions with the player’s agent, Ramy Abbas Issa, and according to David Ornstein of The Athletic, an official contract offer is expected soon.

In an update on Wednesday, Ornstein clarified that while Salah’s statement about the Reds not yet making an offer “remained accurate as of Sunday,” the expectation is that “it will change soon.”

This comes as Liverpool has already offered Virgil van Dijk a new contract, with the Dutch defender’s current deal also set to expire at the end of the season. Negotiations are also ongoing with Trent Alexander-Arnold, though his situation is different due to his age and the possibility of a free transfer to Real Madrid next summer.

Salah and Van Dijk, despite their world-class status, are likely to have fewer options. The forward will be 33 before his current contract expires, while Liverpool’s captain will turn 34 just a week after his terms end.

While both players staying at Liverpool seems the most likely outcome, contract talks may not be without complications. Salah, Van Dijk, and Alexander-Arnold will all be seeking top-tier wages along with long-term security, although The Athletic’s Simon Hughes has already reported that Salah would be open to a 12-month deal.

Liverpool makes formal offer to Van Dijk

A deal with Van Dijk now appears closer, with Liverpool having made a formal contract offer, according to Ornstein. The reporter stated: “Talks with Van Dijk have seen Liverpool table an opening bid to keep the 33-year-old beyond June.”

However, the situation isn’t entirely positive, as Ornstein added that the offer “fell short of [Van Dijk’s] expectations, and so far, there has been no breakthrough on the value or length of an extension.” He also mentioned: “The dialogue has taken place for some time and continues.”

Although no deal has been finalized, the fact that this information has emerged—likely from the club—suggests a growing confidence that progress will be made.