Mohamed Salah: On the Brink of History Amid Contract Uncertainty
As the Premier League season races towards its climax, all eyes are on Liverpool’s talismanic forward, Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian superstar is on the cusp of rewriting the record books, yet his potential achievements are being overshadowed by the ongoing saga surrounding his contract at Anfield. With potentially nine games left in his Liverpool career, the 32-year-old is poised to make history, but the uncertainty of his future looms large.
Currently tied with former Manchester City forward Sergio Agüero at 184 goals, Salah needs just one more to become the highest-scoring non-English player in Premier League history. This record could be claimed as early as Wednesday in the Merseyside derby against Everton at Anfield. With nine league games still to play, Salah also has the opportunity to surpass Erling Haaland‘s record of 36 goals in a Premier League season, set in 2022-23.
Haaland’s record, which eclipsed the previous milestone of 34 goals set by both Andy Cole (Newcastle United, 1993-94) and Alan Shearer (Blackburn Rovers, 1994-95), seemed untouchable. However, with 27 goals already this season, dismissing Salah’s chances of equalling or surpassing Haaland’s tally would be unwise.
Yet, the focus remains on Salah’s unresolved future at Liverpool. The former Chelsea and AS Roma forward’s contract situation has been a persistent narrative throughout the season. Alongside teammates Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Salah is entering the final 12 months of his contract without a new agreement in place.
Each player’s situation is unique. At 26, Alexander-Arnold is in his prime and can command a lucrative, long-term contract. Sources at Real Madrid have expressed optimism about signing the defender as a free agent this summer, with Liverpool potentially losing their home-grown star.
Van Dijk, Liverpool’s captain and defensive stalwart, has had an outstanding season. However, with the Netherlands international turning 34 in July, the club faces a delicate balancing act. They must offer a contract that rewards his status as one of the world’s best defenders while considering his age and future reliability.
For Salah, the dilemma is similar. Although a year younger than Van Dijk, Salah is Liverpool’s goal-scoring talisman. His 27 goals this season mark his best return since scoring 32 in his debut campaign at Anfield in 2017-18.
Sources indicate that the primary issue in negotiations with Salah and Van Dijk is the length of the contract. Liverpool is cautious about committing to long-term deals for players approaching their mid-30s, despite their exceptional performances this season. However, each goal Salah scores highlights the club’s failure to secure him to a new contract, appearing increasingly reckless.
If Salah ends the season by breaking Haaland’s record, his negotiating position will be even stronger. Can Liverpool afford to let such a prolific scorer leave because they can’t agree on a suitable deal?
While time eventually catches up with everyone, Salah continues to score at the same rate as when he joined Liverpool at 25. Haaland was 22 when he set his record, Cole was 22, and Shearer was 24 when they set theirs. The fact that Salah is on course to set a new record at 32 is a testament to his ability and professionalism.
When Liverpool rejected a £150 million bid for Salah from Al Ittihad in August 2023, they believed that two more seasons with Salah were worth more than the offer from the Saudi Pro League team. It was a wise decision, but they may have misjudged the next big decision regarding Salah.
If Salah leaves as a free agent with a Premier League winners’ medal and Haaland’s record, it could be one of Liverpool’s biggest mistakes.
Originally Written by: Mark Ogden
