Mohamed Salah: On the Brink of History Amid Contract Uncertainty
As we dive into the final stretch of the Premier League season, all eyes are on Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian sensation who is on the cusp of making history. With potentially nine games left in his Liverpool career, Salah is not just chasing records; he’s also at the center of a contract saga that could define his future and Liverpool’s legacy.
Currently tied with former Manchester City forward Sergio Agüero at 184 goals, Salah is poised to become the highest-scoring non-English player in Premier League history. The record could be his as early as Wednesday during the Merseyside derby against Everton at Anfield. With nine league games remaining, Salah also has a shot at surpassing Erling Haaland‘s record of 36 goals in a Premier League season, set in 2022-23.
Haaland’s record seemed untouchable, having surpassed the previous milestone of 34 goals set by Andy Cole and Alan Shearer. Yet, with 27 goals already this season, dismissing Salah’s chances of breaking this record would be unwise. However, the looming question of Salah’s future at Liverpool overshadows these potential achievements.
The uncertainty surrounding Salah’s contract has been a recurring theme this season. Alongside teammates Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Salah is entering the final 12 months of his contract without a new deal in place. Each player’s situation is unique, with Alexander-Arnold, at 26, in a prime position to secure a lucrative, long-term contract. Sources at Real Madrid have expressed optimism about signing him as a free agent this summer.
Van Dijk, Liverpool’s captain, has had an outstanding season. Yet, as he approaches 34, the club faces a delicate balancing act in offering a contract that reflects his status while considering his age. Salah, a year younger than Van Dijk, remains Liverpool’s goal-scoring talisman, with his 27 goals marking his best return since his debut season in 2017-18.
Sources indicate that the primary hurdle in negotiations with Salah and Van Dijk is the length of the contract. Liverpool is cautious about committing to long-term deals for players nearing their mid-30s, despite their current form. Each goal Salah scores highlights the risk Liverpool takes by not securing his future sooner.
If Salah ends the season by breaking Haaland’s record, his negotiating position will only strengthen. Can Liverpool afford to let such a prolific scorer leave over contract disagreements?
While time eventually catches up with every player, Salah continues to score at a rate comparable to when he first joined Liverpool at 25. Haaland was 22 when he set his record, as were Cole and Shearer when they reached their milestones. Salah’s potential to set a new record at 32 is a testament to his skill and dedication.
When Liverpool turned down a £150 million bid from Al Ittihad in August 2023, they believed Salah’s presence was worth more than the offer from the Saudi Pro League team. This decision has paid off, but Liverpool may have miscalculated the next step in Salah’s journey.
If Salah leaves as a free agent with a Premier League title and Haaland’s record, it could be one of Liverpool’s biggest missteps. The club’s legacy and future success may hinge on how they handle this pivotal moment.
- Will Salah break the Premier League goal record?
- Can Liverpool secure his future at Anfield?
- What impact will his potential departure have on the team?
These questions linger as the season unfolds, with Salah’s legacy and Liverpool’s future hanging in the balance.
Originally Written by: Mark Ogden
