Liverpool open contract talks with Salah
The 32-year-old’s existing terms expire at the end of this season and like with Virgil van Dijk, who is also on course to become a free agent a new deal has been tabled, according to multiple sources familiar with the process who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
It does not mean an agreement is in place or close and, despite a growing belief around Anfield that both players will stay, at present there is no certainty.
A resolution is expected to take time, which is far from ideal for Liverpool given Salah and Van Dijk plus academy graduate, Trent Alexander-Arnold, can sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign teams from January 1.
But all three have now received proposals from the club and talks continue.
Earlier this month, The Athletic reported that Salah was still waiting for Liverpool to reveal their stance in relation to the length and value of a potential renewal.
It then emerged last week that captain Van Dijk has received an offer, while a proposal has also been submitted to Alexander-Arnold.
After helping Liverpool defeat Southampton last month, Salah had said he was “probably more out than in” and admitted he was “disappointed” that a formal contract offer had not been made.
Salah has been in strong form so far this season scoring 15 goals and adding 12 assists in all competitions. His latest contribution was two goals and an assist in the 3-3 draw with Newcastle United on Wednesday.
Salah has scored 226 goals in 370 appearances for Liverpool since joining from Serie A side Roma in 2017. He has won the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup in that time.
Liverpool, under new head coach Arne Slot, are top of the Premier League but missed the chance to go further clear on Saturday when the Merseyside derby was postponed on safety grounds amid severe weather warnings in the UK.
They are also top of the Champions League’s league phase with a perfect five wins from five. Salah has scored once and added four assists in the competition.
Salah and Liverpool are next in action against Girona today.
-The Athletic
