In the next few months, we’ll finally find out if Mo Salah is staying with Liverpool for the 2025/26 season. His contract with the club is nearing its end, and there’s been a lot of chatter about his future, but no signs of a new contract being finalized just yet.
As we wait for this saga to conclude, a former Liverpool striker has suggested he knows what Liverpool’s 32-year-old star is planning regarding a potential new deal.
Owen: Salah keen to stay at Liverpool but deal isn’t close
Talking to talkSPORT, Michael Owen shared that Salah is eager to remain at Liverpool. He encouraged the club to bend their usual contract policies to hold on to the star winger. However, Owen hinted that there’s still a significant gap between the two parties in terms of agreeing on the contract.
The 45-year-old stated: "Salah is an interesting case. I believe he wants to stay. I’m almost certain of it. Liverpool may need to adjust their rules a bit here. They might usually say, ‘Only two-year contracts at this age,’ but Salah isn’t your average player."
"He’s incredibly fit, dedicated, practically lives in the gym—so professional. There’s no way he won’t be performing at this level in three or four years. He’s exceptional, and I’d alter the rules for him. I’d approve the contract length he wants."
"I’m not the kind of fan to just say, ‘Give him all he wants because he’s great, and we’ll win titles.’ It’s crucial not to put the club at risk, but I don’t think we’re at that point. Replacing him would cost a lot more, and you’d lose him without a transfer fee."
"I’d do anything to keep him, and I believe he wants to stay, but according to my sources, they’re still quite a way off.”
Despite both Salah and Liverpool seemingly keen on an extension, there’s no agreement on the terms of a new deal. Salah could argue his remarkable goal-scoring record deserves a substantial salary, while the club might hesitate to commit big wages to a player turning 33 in June.
Currently on a base salary of £350,000 a week, with bonuses (according to Capology), and as pointed out by James Pearce recently, FSG (Fenway Sports Group) needs to juggle between renewing contracts and providing Arne Slot with funding for summer transfers.
To reach an agreement, both Salah and Liverpool might need to compromise, with the club possibly upping their offer and Salah accepting less than initially desired. It would be unfortunate for such a pivotal player to leave over a contract stalemate. Here’s hoping negotiations find a suitable balance soon!
