Money or legacy for Salah: Liverpool’s Egyptian king at crossroads on future

• Liverpool are reportedly “unconcerned” by speculation linking Salah with the Saudi Pro League
• Alongside Salah, key Liverpool stars Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk are also nearing the end of their contracts
• Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes Salah’s pursuit of Premier League scoring records will motivate him to stay

As Liverpool soared to yet another victory, defeating Chelsea 2-1 at Anfield to maintain top spot on the Premier League table, the spotlight remained firmly on Mohamed Salah. 

The Egyptian striker played an important role in the victory, continuing his sensational start to the 2024/25 campaign, with 10 goal involvements in just eight matches, Salah has been integral to Liverpool's success under new boss Arne Slot.

While Manchester City briefly took the lead in the Premier League standings after a dramatic win a few hours before Liverpool’s match, the latter’s response was swift, once again proving they are ready to dethrone their rivals Manchester City. 

With crucial matches ahead, including a Champions League trip to Leipzig and a home clash with Arsenal, the pressure on Liverpool is mounting and they will need to prove dominance to maintain their present spot. However, as important as Salah's performance on the field is, the uncertainty surrounding his future is becoming equally significant.

Reports have emerged that Salah is seeking a “mega-money” three-year contract extension, with negotiations starting soon as the season progresses. 

Despite ongoing speculation linking Salah to a move to the Saudi Pro League, Liverpool reportedly remains “unconcerned” by these rumours. Insiders believe Salah’s first priority is to remain at Merseyside, continuing his journey at Anfield until 2027.

Beyond Salah, the futures of two more Liverpool stars, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk are also in question as they, too, enter the final year of their contracts. But it is Salah who has drawn the most interest, with major European clubs now reportedly entering the fray to secure his signature. The 32-year-old forward’s form has been nothing short of spectacular this season, capitalised by his goal in Liverpool's latest victory over Chelsea.

Although Salah hinted that this season might be his last at Anfield following Liverpool’s resounding 3-0 win over Manchester United, sources close to the player revealed that this statement was intended to create leverage in his contractual negotiations. 

Liverpool remains confident of their star player’s desire to stay. The club reportedly believes that Salah wants to extend his contract, taking him through to 2027, when he will be 35 years old.

Salah's importance to Liverpool is undeniable, and he has been a long-standing target for Saudi clubs, who are eager to position him as the face of their growing league. 

However, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher is optimistic about Salah’s future at Anfield. During Sky Sports’ coverage of the Chelsea match, Carragher said, 

“He’ll have an eye on Thierry Henry (175 goals) and Frank Lampard (177) by the end of this season, I would imagine. 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.”

In the coming months, Liverpool’s “Egyptian King” will have to weigh the allure of extending his record-breaking career at Anfield against the life-changing financial rewards awaiting him in the Middle East. Ultimately, whether Salah stays or leaves, his impact on Liverpool and the Premier League is already monumental. 

Slot’s Liverpool will struggle this season as custom demands, Gary Neville predicts PL top 4

Previously, TheRadar reported that Gary Neville had wasted no time in revising his predictions for the Premier League season, making significant changes after just one game. The former Manchester United defender, known for his critical analysis, initially backed Tottenham Hotspur to secure a top-four finish. 

However, following their opening match, he reconsidered Chelsea’s potential to overtake them.