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Tag: Mohamed salah

Replacement for Mohamed Salah found as Liverpool contract speculation arises

Mohamed Salah may leave Liverpool for free at the season’s end, and former Reds midfielder Dietmar Hamann believes Omar Marmoush should be signed as his replacement.

Salah is in the final year of his contract, leaving uncertainty about whether he will extend his stay or depart. Hamann has endorsed Salah’s fellow countryman, Marmoush, as a suitable successor.

Currently playing in the Bundesliga for Eintracht Frankfurt, Marmoush has netted 10 goals in 10 appearances this season. When asked about the 25-year-old’s potential in the Premier League, Hamann stated to wettbasis, “Yes, absolutely.

“I think that both Frankfurt strikers (Marmoush and Hugo Ekitike) are on the radar of the English. A wonderful couple that harmonise very well with each other. With Ekitike, we knew that he had great potential.

“He had indicated that last season, in the winter, and now he seems to be taking off. With Marmoush, I was always surprised at Wolfsburg that he didn’t really get going. But he’s a wonderful player, a great finisher, and has pace.

“So they’re both players who are obviously very interesting for the Premier League. It will be difficult to follow Salah. I don’t think he has missed ten games in eight or nine years. So it will be difficult to follow him, but I would trust Marmoush to do it.”

Hamann’s comments come after former Liverpool teammate Jamie Carragher expressed hope that Salah will sign a new contract to secure his legacy by breaking records. Currently tied for ninth on the all-time Premier League goalscorers list with Jermain Defoe, Carragher believes Salah will aim to climb higher.

“He’ll have an eye on Thierry Henry and Frank Lampard by the end of this season, I would imagine,” Carragher remarked on Sky Sports. “I think stats like this are one of the biggest reasons why Mo Salah will sign a new contract at Liverpool.

“Of course they’ll be talking about money and length of contract, but I think these are the things that really get the juices flowing for Mo Salah. He breaks all the records at Liverpool, but getting as far as he can up those lists, I think that’s a big part of his focus as a player.”

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Darwin Nunez has conveyed precisely what Arne Slot and Liverpool were hoping to hear

Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has responded on social media to Uruguay’s surprising 1-0 loss to Peru in World Cup qualifying, despite receiving praise for his individual performance.

The defeat came from a late goal by Miguel Araujo, marking Peru’s first victory in 10 qualifying matches and lifting them off the bottom of the South American table. Despite the setback, Uruguay remains in third place and is still on track to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

In the CONMEBOL qualifying format, each nation faces the other nine both home and away. After 18 matches, the top six teams will earn spots in the World Cup, while the seventh-place team will enter the FIFA playoff tournament, providing an alternative route to qualification.

Nunez has issued a rallying call to his teammates on social media, urging for improvement ahead of Uruguay’s home match against Ecuador on Wednesday.

“Work to improve, there is no other [way],” he stated in Spanish on Instagram. “Go Uruguay always!”

The Uruguayan media absolved Nunez of blame, noting he was among the standout players, with El Pais remarking, “he was the one who tried the most, but was very alone in attack.”

Initially, there were expectations that Nunez would remain suspended for his involvement in the Copa America controversy this summer. However, a successful appeal allowed him to participate in the match against Peru.

Since making his Uruguay debut in 2019, Nunez has netted 13 goals in 30 appearances.

October 22, 2024
Arne Slot gives a subtle hint about Liverpool contracts for Alexander-Arnold, Salah, and Van Dijk

Liverpool’s head coach was asked to choose his all-time Champions League XI and included four current players from his squad, possibly signaling a message to FSG regarding their contract situations.

Arne Slot selected Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, and Mohamed Salah in his all-time team, which may highlight concerns about their futures with Liverpool as all three are set to become free agents next summer. Fans are anxious that they might all leave the club simultaneously at the end of the season.

By including these players, Slot clearly expressed his admiration for them, adding two more Liverpool players—one current and one former—while notably leaving out legends like Zinedine Zidane, Andres Iniesta, Xavi, and Paolo Maldini.

When choosing Alisson as his goalkeeper, Slot remarked, “Everyone would understand why I would pick Alisson, because I work with him now but he was also really important when they won the Champions League a few years ago. Since I’ve worked with him, I’ve seen how special he is and how many important saves he has already made. He’s been outstanding for so many years for Liverpool and it’s an easy pick.”

He also praised Alexander-Arnold and van Dijk, stating to Amazon Prime, “Trent has been so special for Liverpool for so many years. He came from the academy, winning the Champions League at this club.”

“Virgil van Dijk needs to be there. He has had a significant impact on this club. I believe that when he and Alisson arrived, it was the final piece the team required. An impressive center-back, dominant in the air… he possesses all the qualities a center-back should have.

Arguably Liverpool’s greatest-ever player, Slot included Steven Gerrard in a midfield trio with Luka Modric, shielded by former Barcelona and current Inter Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets.

However, Slot hinted that he might not have chosen Gerrard if he weren’t Liverpool’s manager. He remarked: “If you had asked me this a year ago, I would probably have said Andres Iniesta… but now I’m going with Steven Gerrard. While Iniesta and Zinedine Zidane likely deserve to be included, they played alongside exceptional teammates. Gerrard had great players too, but I don’t think he was surrounded by the same caliber as those two… yet he was still something special.”

Regarding Salah, Slot stated: “It’s clear that Mo Salah should be included. Eight or nine years at such a high level. In the recent history of this club, he has scored an incredible number of goals. He has been truly special at this club.”

Arne Slot’s Champions League XI: Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Gerard Pique, Frank de Boer, Sergio Busquets, Steven Gerrard, Luka Modric, Mohamed Salah, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo.”

October 14, 2024
Liverpool target Premier League forward as a potential replacement for Mo Salah

Liverpool have targeted West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus as a potential long-term successor to Mo Salah.

The 32-year-old’s contract at Anfield expires at the end of the season, and he has not yet signed an extension.

While the Reds need to negotiate new deals for several players, including Virgil Van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is linked with Real Madrid, they have made little headway so far.

Particularly concerning for Salah is the possibility of him leaving the club next summer, especially given his strong ties to Saudi Arabia’s Pro League.

The Egyptian has been a prime target for the Middle East for over a year, with Al Ittihad having offered £150 million last summer (BBC Sport). Although a transfer hasn’t occurred yet, this could change at the end of the season when the 32-year-old will be a free agent, having also recently attracted interest from MLS club San Diego FC.

Liverpool looking at Mohammed Kudus as a possible replacement for Mo Salah

According to a recent report from Fichajes, the potential loss of their number 11 has prompted the Reds to explore possible long-term replacements, with Ghana’s Kudus being a suitable option.

The 24-year-old, who transferred to the Hammers from Ajax last summer, has made a strong impression in his first year in England, and Liverpool is now among his admirers.

With youth on his side, combined with his skill and proven track record in the fast-paced and physical Premier League, Kudus is rapidly becoming a player capable of moving to a top-four team.

Liverpool, the 2019-20 league champions, will continue to monitor Kudus’ performances and development at West Ham as they face pressure to address Salah’s future.

Since joining the Hammers, Kudus has scored 15 goals and provided seven assists in 54 appearances across all competitions, and he has up to four-and-a-half years remaining on his contract.

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Trent Alexander-Arnold has outlined his demands to Real Madrid for leaving Liverpool

Once, the idea of Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving Liverpool seemed almost impossible. Now, with his contract ending this season, the right-back faces an uncertain future.

At 25, he has under 10 months remaining on his deal, which earns him £180,000 per week according to Spotrac. If a contract extension isn’t reached, he will become a free agent at the season’s end and can negotiate with clubs outside England starting in January.

Real Madrid, managed by Carlo Ancelotti, is reportedly interested in acquiring him. The club consistently seeks top talent and is in the process of assembling what many consider the best squad in football.

With stars like Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappe, and likely future Ballon d’Or winner Vini Jr, Madrid boasts a formidable attack. However, president Florentino Perez aims to strengthen the defense, and Alexander-Arnold is a prime target.

Attracting him from Liverpool won’t be straightforward due to his strong ties with the club. Nevertheless, a recent report from Fichajes states that the England international has conveyed his terms to the La Liga side.

His first condition is a substantial salary increase, which Real Madrid could accommodate, as 11 players at the club currently earn more than he does at Liverpool (Capology). The second condition is to join a trophy-winning team—a request Madrid can easily fulfill, having won three major titles last season, including the Champions League.

With no signs of waning, Madrid continues to solidify its status as Europe’s premier club.

October 12, 2024
Former scout confirms Liverpool is prepared to “break the bank” for a game-changing player

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown has asserted that Liverpool is prepared to retain Mohamed Salah at the club.

The Egyptian forward is in the final year of his contract, and following the match against Manchester United this season, he indicated that it would be his last year at Liverpool.

The Reds are eager to extend Salah’s stay at Anfield amid speculation about a potential move to Saudi Arabia.

With four goals and four assists in six Premier League matches this season, Salah has played a key role in propelling Liverpool to the top of the league.

Brown stated to *Football Insider* that Liverpool is ready to invest significantly to keep Salah, emphasizing the winger’s importance to the team’s style of play.

“I think Liverpool will break the bank in their efforts to keep him,” he said to *Football Insider*.

“I believe Liverpool will spare no expense to retain him,” he told Football Insider.

“Among all the left-footed players on the right, he is by far the best. Liverpool without Mo Salah is not the same Liverpool we’ve seen.

“He can change a game in an instant. If they’re facing difficulties, they can pass it to him, and he’ll create something.

“He’s crucial to their style of play.

“I would imagine they are eager to keep him.

“They will do everything possible to secure a new contract for him before allowing him to leave for Saudi Arabia for free, I’m certain.”

Liverpool need to keep on to Mohamed Salah

The Merseyside club cannot afford to let Salah go, as he remains one of the best players in the world.

Finding a better player than Salah for that position would be challenging, and with someone of his caliber already in the team, it makes little sense to let him leave and search for a replacement.

Arne Slot has successfully brought out the best in the Liverpool star, who seems to be enjoying his football right now.

While attackers often decline after turning 30, the 32-year-old Salah shows no signs of slowing down.

However, the Reds need to act quickly, as Salah will be able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with other clubs in January.

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Arsenal plans bold move for £125m Liverpool target after transfer reversal

Arsenal is reportedly considering a bold move for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz in 2025, following Liverpool’s interest over the summer.

The 21-year-old Wirtz has drawn attention from several top European clubs after a standout season, scoring 18 goals for the German champions. His impressive performance at Euro 2024 this summer and four league goals in as many matches this season have further heightened interest in him.

Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal is experiencing a revival, rekindling their appeal as they pursue some of Europe’s top talents. According to a report from SportBild, via Sport Witness, Arsenal has joined Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in vying for Wirtz, who attracted significant transfer interest over the summer.

Arsenal has been a long-time admirer of Wirtz, valued at €150 million (£125 million), having scouted him even before his move to Leverkusen in 2020, although he wasn’t interested in a transfer to England at that time.

Having won the Bundesliga title last year, Wirtz is now seeking a club capable of Champions League success to enhance his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or in the future.

Arsenal’s resurgence under Arteta makes them a feasible option, although Real Madrid is reportedly the frontrunner to secure Wirtz next summer, particularly given their interest in Leverkusen’s head coach, Xabi Alonso.

Liverpool had shown strong interest in Wirtz ahead of Euro 2024, but his father, Hans, addressed the speculation directly, clarifying that his son was not seeking a transfer at that time. He stated to Bild: “Florian has a contract in Leverkusen.

And he’s looking forward to next year at Bayer 04 when he can play in the Champions League with Leverkusen for the first time. Those are the facts.

“Now the focus is on the Euros. After that there’s a lot to do with the club next season, so there’s no need for speculation. There’s really nothing to say beyond that.”

October 1, 2024
“Liverpool should prioritise one contract over all others, and it’s not Trent Alexander-Arnold”

Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson has made his preference clear regarding contract renewals for key players Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk. When asked who should be prioritized, he stated unequivocally, “Virgil van Dijk.” He emphasizes that securing the captain’s contract is crucial, noting that both Salah and Alexander-Arnold’s deals also expire in 2025.

“At least, including this season, three seasons — especially if he has quality around him,” Lawrenson explains regarding Van Dijk’s potential to maintain his performance level. He insists that keeping Van Dijk is vital because there is no suitable replacement available.

“Everything about him is very imposing,” he adds, highlighting Van Dijk’s organizational skills and strong presence in the dressing room. “He would be the really big one for me to keep — and he is captain.”

In contrast, Lawrenson suggests that Alexander-Arnold, the youngest of the three, might be tempted to join his England teammate Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Trent went,” he remarks, indicating that the appeal of Madrid’s lifestyle and financial benefits might entice him.

As for Salah, Lawrenson expresses uncertainty about his future, noting that a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia could be appealing. However, he reiterates the importance of keeping Van Dijk, asserting, “If you keep Virgil, you have a chance.” He adds, “If Trent goes, we’ve got Conor Bradley.”

Every club would eagerly welcome Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer if given the chance. However, Lawrenson believes it ultimately comes down to a decision between staying at Anfield or moving to Real Madrid.

“I don’t see where else he is going to go,” the Liverpool legend states. “He’s an intelligent boy. He will be influenced by his mate at Real Madrid and might consider Spain for three years… Galactico… all those kinds of things… playing in a top team… it would appeal to anybody.”

He adds, “I don’t think they will be able to [convince him to stay]. How much more money does he need? Because he’s intelligent, he might think he can go to Real Madrid and play in a team that wins the Champions League every year. They don’t play quite as many games and you can live in Spain and enjoy your life.”

Lawrenson concludes, “He’s entitled to do whatever he wants. He’s been absolutely fantastic for the club. You could see when Arne Slot brought him off in the first couple of games and he had the hump, which is what you want. He just wants to play.”

“England messed him around in the Euros and that didn’t help, but do you know a better right-back? I don’t,” Lawrenson states, highlighting Alexander-Arnold’s exceptional passing ability. He adds, “I think he might find the attraction of playing for Real Madrid really strong. Who wouldn’t?”

Losing any of these players without a transfer fee would be a significant blow for Liverpool, making it difficult to replace them without reinvestment. “If you can get all three, that would be amazing,” Lawrenson remarks. “Trying to replace all three would be totally impossible — and with the money we’re talking about, I’m not sure they could.”

He notes that “Mo [Salah] has been quiet at the moment and he’s just waiting to hear where he can go.” While he doesn’t claim Salah is leaving, he acknowledges that with his contract expiring at the end of the season, Salah can afford to take his time as offers come in. “All three are in a fantastic position, they seriously are.”

“You would hate to lose anyone. If you lose one, maybe you can cope with it, but if you lost two, that’s completely different,” Lawrenson warns, noting the significant costs associated with acquiring replacements, including transfer fees and wages.

Despite the contract uncertainties surrounding three key players, Lawrenson has praised Slot’s management. The Reds have only lost one match this season and have conceded just three goals across all competitions.

“He’s not really changed too much. Why should he? Don’t touch it unless it’s broken,” Lawrenson states. “He’s been good. Everyone talks about the home defeat, but Nottingham Forest were brilliant. That was just one of those things.”

He believes that a low-key approach will be Slot’s focus: “The less fuss, the better.” Lawrenson adds that Slot is fortunate because his predecessor left the team in great shape. The main difference is that Slot prefers to maintain possession more, unlike Jurgen Klopp, who was more aggressive.

While there are contract issues to address, Lawrenson acknowledges there’s still time—96 days until January 1. On the pitch, however, everything is going well: “It’s seamless at the moment,” he says. “Slot’s doing really well.”

September 27, 2024
Liverpool targeting former Chelsea player as possible replacement for Mo Salah.

Liverpool are preparing for the possibility of life without their star player, *Mohamed Salah*. While the future remains uncertain for both the club and the player, Salah has entered the final year of his contract at Anfield.

The Egyptian forward has made a strong start to the season, netting four goals and assisting three for the Reds. His contributions have propelled Liverpool to second place in the Premier League after five matches and have aided their successful campaigns in the Champions League and the Carabao Cup.

Liverpool is reportedly exploring options for Salah’s potential replacement, with recent updates from Italy linking former Chelsea player *Christian Pulisic* to a move to Anfield. According to *Calciomercato*, the club is considering the AC Milan attacker as a suitable alternative.

Pulisic had a productive season with Milan, scoring 12 goals and providing eight assists in Serie A. He has continued this form into the new season, tallying three goals and two assists in five matches.

After a challenging tenure at Chelsea from 2019 to 2023, where he scored 26 goals in 145 appearances but struggled with fitness issues, Pulisic has revitalized his career at Milan.

Liverpool is poised to offer the winger another chance to shine in the Premier League as part of their attack under new manager *Arne Slot*. While the club hopes to retain Salah, if they cannot secure his commitment, Pulisic could emerge as an appealing option.

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Trent Alexander-Arnold has outlined his demands to Real Madrid for leaving Liverpool

Once, the idea of Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving Liverpool seemed almost impossible. Now, with his contract ending this season, the right-back faces an uncertain future.

At 25, he has under 10 months remaining on his deal, which earns him £180,000 per week according to Spotrac. If a contract extension isn’t reached, he will become a free agent at the season’s end and can negotiate with clubs outside England starting in January.

Real Madrid, managed by Carlo Ancelotti, is reportedly interested in acquiring him. The club consistently seeks top talent and is in the process of assembling what many consider the best squad in football.

With stars like Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappe, and likely future Ballon d’Or winner Vini Jr, Madrid boasts a formidable attack. However, president Florentino Perez aims to strengthen the defense, and Alexander-Arnold is a prime target.

Attracting him from Liverpool won’t be straightforward due to his strong ties with the club. Nevertheless, a recent report from Fichajes states that the England international has conveyed his terms to the La Liga side.

His first condition is a substantial salary increase, which Real Madrid could accommodate, as 11 players at the club currently earn more than he does at Liverpool (Capology). The second condition is to join a trophy-winning team—a request Madrid can easily fulfill, having won three major titles last season, including the Champions League.

With no signs of waning, Madrid continues to solidify its status as Europe’s premier club.

September 27, 2024
Liverpool player poised to become the ‘main man’ after Mohamed Salah leaves

Liverpool has long anticipated the day when Mohamed Salah might leave, but it seems a successor is already emerging at Anfield. Although Salah’s future remains uncertain, it has been suggested that a new key player is ready to step up when the time comes.

Since the beginning of the Arne Slot era, Salah has quickly demonstrated his value, being instrumental in Liverpool’s first three Premier League matches with three goals and three assists.

Though his form has been quieter recently, he has made a strong case for a contract extension, which sporting director Richard Hughes will need to address alongside the futures of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk.

Despite the uncertainties surrounding contracts, Liverpool has promising talents ready to emerge. While losing Salah would be significant, Troy Deeney believes that the future star is already within the squad.

In his BBC Team of the Week, Deeney praised Luis Diaz, noting that only Erling Haaland has scored more goals than him at the start of the season, including a standout performance against Bournemouth.

“On the right [sic] for Liverpool he was the best player on the pitch by a country mile,” Deeney remarked. “I appreciate this is a massive statement, but it made me think if Liverpool do let Mohamed Salah go, he could take over as the main man.”

Deeney highlighted Diaz’s versatility, enthusiasm, and impressive goal-scoring, comparing him to a peak Sadio Mane, who once rivaled Salah for acclaim at Liverpool. However, doubts about Diaz’s consistency remain, and more performances are needed to confirm he can be a world-class winger.

Salah serves as a reminder that players develop at different paces; he himself was a late bloomer. Given the advancements in sports science, Diaz, at 27, might just be on the brink of his prime. He could even end up replacing Salah directly, as Deeney suggests, referencing how Mane initially played on the right before Salah’s arrival.

Whether Diaz takes over the right wing or shares the attacking load, he is showing signs of being ready to step up when Salah departs. This is commendable praise.

Hughes should prioritize a new contract for Diaz, who is still under the terms of a deal signed in January 2022. If he’s being considered as the new “main man,” his contract should reflect that.

Liverpool.com expresses hope that Slot can continue to utilize both Salah and Diaz, who have formed a potent partnership early in the season. Even if Salah stays for now, having another key player alongside him would significantly enhance Slot’s chances of success at Liverpool.

September 23, 2024
Liverpool set to finalize deal for £50 milliom star

Mohamed Salah has been Liverpool’s key right-winger for several years, but he is now in the final year of his contract and past his prime.

Consequently, Liverpool risks losing him for free next year. Should they fail to retain him, Arne Slot will need to find a replacement for the Egyptian in 2025.

Tony Cascarino, speaking with a fan on talkSPORT, suggested that Liverpool might look to sign Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo as a potential successor to Salah. Cascarino highlighted several reasons why Mbeumo would be a fitting choice. He commented:

“I remember saying to you about if Mo Salah left, Mbeumo would be the one I would have gone after. He’s got so much about him, he’s got goals, he’s got durability. He’s just a nuisance every time he plays.”

Brentford initially sought £50m for Mbeumo, but with his contract nearing its final year next summer, they might reduce their asking price to over £40m if he does not agree to an extension in the upcoming months.

Mbeumo, who turned 25 last month, primarily plays as a right-winger but can also operate as a center-forward. He demonstrated his abilities in the Premier League last season with nine goals and six assists in 22 starts, and he has already netted three goals in four appearances this season. Given that his prime years are ahead of him, he could be a valuable acquisition for Liverpool.

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According to report – Liverpool Set to Offer £50.6m, Poised to Make Final Move for Playmaker

In recent weeks, the situation with Liverpool has been quite amusing. It seems they have been connected with more players after the transfer window closed than they were during the recent summer period.

Even though Liverpool only added Federico Chiesa to their squad for this season, they have made an excellent start to life after Jürgen Klopp. Under Arne Slot, the team has won every match so far and has done so without conceding a single goal.

Liverpool is once again rumored to be interested in La Liga playmaker Takefusa Kubo from Real Sociedad.

Last month, the Madrid-based outlet AS reported that Liverpool was prepared to pay Kubo’s release clause of £50.6 million, but the player chose to remain with Real Sociedad. The 23-year-old also turned down substantial offers from Saudi Arabia to stay in Spain.

Now, another Spanish source, Fichajes, states that Liverpool has not given up and will make another attempt to secure Takefusa Kubo.

The media outlet also mentions that Kubo has a release clause of £50.6 million, and Liverpool faces no difficulty in meeting that amount.

Given Liverpool’s willingness to spend more to sign Martin Zubimendi in the summer, they are unlikely to encounter problems paying Kubo’s release clause. The challenge with these Real Sociedad players has been persuading them to move.

There seems to be a strong loyalty among players at the Basque club. Players like Kubo, Zubimendi, and Mikel Oyarzabal have opted to stay despite significant interest, but this might change in the future.

Takefusa Kubo, who scored the decisive goal against Espanyol last month, is deserving of playing for a top club, and a transfer to Liverpool would be ideal for him.

The Japanese talent could potentially replace Mohamed Salah at Anfield, and only time will reveal whether Liverpool can finalize a deal for him in upcoming transfer windows.

September 17, 2024
‘They’ll go crazy’ – Mohamed Salah makes ‘crazy’ confession and acknowledges major Liverpool shift

Mohamed Salah has had an outstanding start to the season with Liverpool but is set to be out of contract next summer.

Salah is already aiming for Premier League or Champions League success this season. The Egyptian forward has begun the season in remarkable form, netting three goals and providing three assists in the first three games.

Liverpool, enjoying a perfect start to the season under new head coach Arne Slot, currently sits second in the table, trailing only the reigning champions, Manchester City, on goal difference.

Although Salah’s contract at Anfield expires next summer, the ECHO reported earlier this week that he wishes to remain at Liverpool. This came after Salah mentioned that contract negotiations had not yet started and hinted it might be his final season with the club, following his standout performance in Liverpool’s 3-0 win against Manchester United last weekend.

Whether this will indeed be the 32-year-old’s last season at Liverpool remains uncertain. However, with his impressive start to the campaign, Salah has alleviated concerns about Liverpool’s potential after Jurgen Klopp’s departure, focusing on securing a “big trophy” to add to his already extensive list of achievements with the club.

In a recent Q&A with the Premier League, Salah commented, “We’ve had a few conversations” with Slot, referring to the team’s good performance so far. “I think so far the team is playing good, which is the most important thing. Myself also playing well.

We just need to carry on and try to win a big trophy this season. I love playing big games for the club. United, everybody knows the history between both clubs. I think first two seasons, I didn’t score. That’s crazy. I think people were saying like he doesn’t like big games or he’s not doing good enough in that big game, but I was lucky to score my first goal and after that things come easier.”

Currently, Salah ranks as Liverpool’s fifth all-time leading goalscorer with 214 goals from 352 appearances. He is 10th on the Premier League’s all-time list with 160 goals and joint-12th in the Champions League with 44 goals.

Having scored more than 25 goals in all but one of his last seven seasons with Liverpool, Salah is well-positioned to climb further up these rankings. A 31-goal season would elevate him to third place in Liverpool’s all-time rankings, surpassing Billy Liddell and Gordon Hodgson, while a 20-goal Premier League season would level him with Frank Lampard at sixth place on 177 goals. A top-four finish in the Premier League is also within reach if he enjoys a 30-goal season.

In the Champions League, a prolific season would see Salah break into the top 10 all-time scorers. His next goal will make him the highest-scoring African in the competition’s history, and he is just six goals away from the 50-goal mark, which would put him ahead of legends such as Alfredo Di Stefano, Andriy Shevchenko, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Eusebio, and Filippo Inzaghi.

Salah acknowledged that he was not a natural goalscorer when he first joined Liverpool, with this ability developing over time. Although he did not specify his current goalscoring target, he did mention that the Premier League club record for goals was a significant personal achievement.

“The one I was into it too much was Premier League record for the club,” he said. “That was in my head, that’s why I took the shirt off against United (after scoring his record 129th league goal for Liverpool in their 7-0 victory at Anfield in March 2023). No, that (being a goalscorer) developed with time.

When I was at Roma, in two seasons I scored 30 goals. Now if I score 30 goals in two seasons, they’re going to kill me here! But I think that changed a lot, especially in my first season I won the Golden Boot so the expectation becomes bigger and bigger and bigger.”

September 8, 2024
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Contract Position with Liverpool Differs from Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s contract is set to expire at the end of this season, alongside the contracts of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.

Reports suggest that Alexander-Arnold is more likely to sign a contract extension with Liverpool compared to Salah and Van Dijk. All three players are in the final year of their contracts at Anfield and would be available on a free transfer next summer if no new deals are made.

Liverpool aims to prevent this outcome, as all three remain crucial to the team under Arne Slot. Alexander-Arnold is viewed as the most probable candidate for an extension, given his deep ties to the club as a product of their academy and a lifelong supporter.

Salah joined Liverpool from Roma in the summer of 2017, while Van Dijk was signed from Southampton in January 2018. Retaining Alexander-Arnold could also be more advantageous due to his resale value, which is expected to remain high. At 25, he is significantly younger than Salah, who is seven years his senior, and Van Dijk, who is eight years older.

Football Insider reports that Liverpool sees Alexander-Arnold as a future captain and plans to offer him assurances regarding his role in the team. While Real Madrid is said to be monitoring Alexander-Arnold’s situation, the player is reportedly not eager to leave Liverpool and is more inclined to sign an extension than his older counterparts.

After Liverpool’s recent win at Old Trafford, much speculation focused on Salah’s comment suggesting this might be his final season at the club. Salah remarked: “I had a good summer and had a long time to myself to try to stay positive because as you know it’s my last year at the club. I just want to enjoy it and I don’t want to think about it. I feel like I’m free to play football and then we’ll see what happens next year.”

However, it’s believed that Salah’s comments were misinterpreted. Instead of indicating that this season would definitively be his last at Liverpool, he was referring to the fact that he is in the final year of his current contract.

September 7, 2024