Salah’s Stellar Start and Long-Term Ambitions
Mohamed Salah’s impressive start to the new Premier League season has sparked speculation about his future at Liverpool. With a contract set to expire next summer, many fans and pundits are wondering if the Egyptian forward will stay with the club or seek new opportunities elsewhere. However, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes Salah has his sights set on breaking records and playing at the highest level until his late 30s.
Carragher draws a comparison between Salah and Cristiano Ronaldo, both ambitious players who strive to achieve greatness. While most footballers consider 35 as the age to retire, Carragher believes Salah will continue playing well into his late 30s. The Liverpool star wants to break numerous Premier League and club records and is aware of his status as one of the world’s best players.
The former defender dismisses the notion that Salah’s age will be a barrier, stating that the forward’s exceptional performance makes it unlikely for him to leave Liverpool for a less prestigious league, such as the Saudi League. Carragher considers Salah to be on par with Ronaldo as one of the best wingers in Premier League history, emphasizing his exceptional quality and goal-scoring prowess.
Pressure Mounts for Contract Renewals
Salah’s recent goal against Manchester United has added pressure on Liverpool to make a move regarding his contract. However, Salah reveals that the club has yet to approach him about an extension, leaving his future uncertain. This situation is not unique to Salah, as captain Virgil Van Dijk and young defender Trent Alexander-Arnold also find themselves in similar positions.
Van Dijk, who has been a key figure in Liverpool’s success, has not been approached about extending his contract beyond the current season. The Dutch center-back, who recently turned 31, expressed his desire to continue playing at the highest level until his late 30s. While Van Dijk remains committed to the club, the lack of contract talks has left him questioning whether Liverpool truly appreciates his value.
The Need for Swift Action
With important players like Salah, Van Dijk, and Alexander-Arnold potentially entering the final year of their contracts, the responsibility lies with Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes and chief executive of football Michael Edwards to act swiftly. The departure of Jurgen Klopp and his backroom staff during the summer has shifted the focus to finding a new head coach and preparing for the season.
While Liverpool tends to avoid offering long-term deals to players over 30, the closing of the transfer window prompts the expectation that the club will make contract moves. The futures of Salah and Van Dijk are at stake, and Liverpool may need to reconsider their policy to secure these key players’ services for the long term.
In conclusion, Mohamed Salah’s exceptional start to the season and his desire to break records suggest that he will continue playing at the highest level until his late 30s. However, the lack of contract talks from Liverpool has left his future uncertain. The same can be said for Virgil Van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, both of whom have yet to receive contract offers beyond the current season. The pressure is now on Liverpool’s management to act swiftly and secure the futures of these vital players.