Liverpool information: Mohamed Salah exit speak as Reds ‘will not stand in method’ if ace desires switch
Liverpool are back in Premier League action on Sunday as they host Nottingham Forest, with the Reds looking to get their season back on track after a dismal few months
Liverpool are inching closer to a return to Premier League action, with the reigning champions eager to get their campaign back on track.
With just three days left before they welcome Nottingham Forest, their 3-0 defeat to Manchester City still lingers from before the latest international break. The mood seemed to be lifting prior to their loss at the Etihad Stadium, following victories over Aston Villa and Real Madrid.
However, Arne Slot’s team were outplayed in Manchester, casting a shadow over the glimmer of hope that had been illuminating the Reds’ season. Amid what has so far been a disappointing defence of their Premier League title, talk about Mohamed Salah’s future has intensified recently.
Here’s all the latest news from Anfield.
Potential sale of Mohamed Salah
Just a few months ago, Salah inked a new Liverpool contract that would keep him at the club until 2027. However, his dip in form has sparked speculation that the Egyptian’s tenure with Liverpool might conclude sooner than expected, reports the Mirror.
Finding a successor for the iconic winger will likely be on the agenda next summer, but that doesn’t necessarily mean a sale will be approved for the 33-year-old. Nonetheless, it’s a plausible scenario, according to ex-Liverpool goalkeeper David James, who thinks there’s a situation that could benefit both parties should Salah depart.
Speaking to GOAL, the former England international explained: “Liverpool didn’t have to sign Mo Salah and Mo Salah didn’t have to sign for Liverpool. I mean, in the end, the deal that he signed would have been right for both parties.
“And I think if there came a time, and I know Liverpool aren’t unique in this, but most of the reasoning behind signing players will be the numbers they’re producing. So you could envisage a situation where Mo’s numbers aren’t what Liverpool need.
“And if there were a potential suitor somewhere else, then I’m sure with conversation, because Mo does have a say in it, that Liverpool would be willing to let him go. Under contract, I don’t think I could see a situation where Mo’s going to hang around just to get paid.”
Salah rejected the temptation of the Saudi Pro League in 2023, but James reckons another substantial bid from the Middle East might prove irresistible for the Reds when it comes to their veteran star.
“I think there would be a situation where, through conversation because I know the dialogue with Liverpool is always really good, that the two parties would sit down and discuss the future,” he continued.
“However, if Mo starts doing what Liverpool would like him to do and Mo I’m sure would like to do and starts scoring loads of goals, then their hand could be forced by a potential suitor, because whatever club is interested, Saudi logically as they’re the ones with the money, they may make an offer that Liverpool can’t refuse.”
Andy Robertson’s future
Robertson returned to Liverpool’s starting line-up ahead of the international break, halting Milos Kerkez’s nine-match league streak.
The 31-year-old, along with Ibrahima Konate, is uncertain about his future at Anfield as his contract is set to expire at the end of the season.
He recently confessed that discussions regarding a contract extension have yet to commence, potentially signalling the end of his illustrious tenure with the club.
Former Liverpool player Jason McAteer believes the Reds will propose a new contract to Robertson, but given the Scotsman’s significant contribution to the club, they would respect his decision should he wish to transfer in the summer.
“It is a funny one with Andy Robertson and Liverpool, really,” said the ex-Republic of Ireland star. “I think from how he has served Liverpool in his career, I think it will more be a case of Liverpool giving him the option. They won’t stand in his way if he wants a move to Celtic.
“I am sure he will be offered a new deal, but obviously on different terms. Liverpool has come to the point where Manchester City were last season, where they have exhausted their team, really. Jurgen Klopp exhausted the team, but he had great success with [James] Milner, [Jordan] Henderson, [Adam] Lallana etc.
“When Milner left, I worried for Liverpool. A lot of football goes on in the dressing room and on the training ground. Leaders are few and far between.
“Leadership today is talked about in different ways. You can lead by example, lead vocally and in all different ways.”
