Salah contract news: Mo mauls Man Utd - then says he might be leaving Liverpool
Mo Salah mesmerised Manchester United in a stunning display for Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday - then revealed this might be his last season with the Merseyside club.
The 32-year-old Egyptian has been a revelation for the Reds since moving to Anfield in 2017, and terrorised Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils at the weekend, creating two goals for Luis Diaz and netting a third in a dominant 3-0 win.
The victory kept Arne Slot’s perfect start intact, with the former Feyenoord manager having won his first three Premier League games without conceding a goal since replacing Jurgen Klopp over the summer.
READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp news: A look at managers who retired - then got lured back into the dugout
Salah has been a major factor in Liverpool’s flying start under the Dutchman, delighting Fantasy Football managers with a heady mix of assists and goals.
But he is out of contract next summer - and says no-one from the club’s hierarchy has approached him yet about signing a new deal to extend his stay on Merseyside.
Salah told Sky Sports after the 3-0 drubbing: "I had a good summer and had a long time to myself to try to stay positive because as you know it's my last year at the club.
"I just want to enjoy it and I don't want to think about it. I feel like I'm free to play football and then we'll see what happens next year.
"Coming into the game, I said it could be the last time [I play here with Liverpool].
"No-one at the club has spoken to me about contracts, so I'm just like, 'OK, I'm playing my last season' and see what happens at the end of the season.
"It's not up to me but nobody has talked to me about a contract with the club. We'll see."
Salah has long been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, with Liverpool reported to have turned down a £100million offer from Al Ittihad in the 2023 summer transfer window.
But former Reds defender Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool will ensure Salah extends his prolific career with Liverpool, telling Sky Sports: "I don't think a Saudi situation is on the cards next season. He's too good.
“He's playing in the best league in the world, for one of the biggest clubs in the world.
"He's possibly the best wide player we've seen in the Premier League, even if hasn't got the medals that maybe some others have got.
"Of course you fight to keep him. It's not about throwing money at him. It's not what you've done in the past, it's what you're doing in the future.
"I would be very surprised if Salah isn't playing for Liverpool next season because I think he'll want to blitz every record in the club's history."
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Liverpool news: Ten fixtures for Reds fans to relish in 2024/25 season
Here, Sports News Blitz takes a detailed look at Salah's career so far, with the Egyptian having already achieved legendary status for his country and Liverpool.
Early Life and Beginnings
Born: June 15, 1992, in Nagrig, a small village in Egypt.
Youth Career: Salah's early years were marked by a relentless pursuit of his passion for football. His innate talent was evident from a young age, and it wasn't long before he was recognized by El Mokawloon, a club in Cairo, where he rapidly ascended through the youth ranks.
Professional Career
El Mokawloon (2010–2012)
Salah made his professional debut with El Mokawloon in the Egyptian Premier League in 2010. Even at this early stage, his potential was undeniable, and it was clear that he was destined for greatness.
FC Basel (2012–2014)
Transfer: In 2012, Salah embarked on his European journey by joining FC Basel, a pivotal moment that would set the stage for his illustrious career.
Achievements: At Basel, Salah’s brilliance shone through. He played a crucial role in leading the team to victory in the Swiss Super League in the 2012-2013 season.
His performances, especially in the UEFA Europa League, where he excelled against some of Europe’s top clubs, marked him as a rising star.
Chelsea (2014–2016)
Transfer: In January 2014, Salah signed with Chelsea, becoming the first Egyptian to don the club's prestigious colours.
Challenges: Despite the promise he showed, his time at Chelsea was fraught with difficulties as he struggled to secure regular playing time.
However, this period only strengthened his resolve, leading to loan spells in Italy where he would truly begin to flourish.
Fiorentina (Loan, 2015)
Loan Spell: Salah’s loan move to Fiorentina in early 2015 was a turning point. Here, he dazzled the Serie A with his pace, technical skill, and eye for goal, quickly becoming a fan favourite.
AS Roma (2015–2017)
Transfer: Salah’s transition to AS Roma, initially on loan and later on a permanent basis, saw him reach new heights.
Breakthrough: At Roma, Salah became one of Serie A’s most feared attackers. His contributions were pivotal in guiding Roma to a second-place finish in the league, and he established himself as one of the league’s top talents.
Liverpool (2017–Present)
Transfer: Salah’s move to Liverpool in June 2017 marked the beginning of a new chapter, one that would see him ascend to the pinnacle of world football.
Historic Achievements
Premier League: In his debut season, Salah shattered records, scoring 32 goals in a 38-game Premier League season, a feat that earned him the Golden Boot and the PFA Players' Player of the Year award.
Champions League Glory: Salah was instrumental in Liverpool’s UEFA Champions League triumph in 2019, scoring a crucial goal in the final and leading his team to their sixth European title.
Premier League Title: Salah’s brilliance also propelled Liverpool to their first Premier League title in 30 years in the 2019-2020 season, solidifying his place in the club’s storied history.
International Career
Egypt Debut: Salah’s journey with the Egyptian national team began in 2011, where he quickly became the nation’s talisman.
Iconic Moments
Africa Cup of Nations: Salah has been a central figure for Egypt in multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, most notably leading them to the final in 2017.
World Cup Qualification: His heroics were pivotal in securing Egypt's qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, their first appearance in nearly three decades. His goals in the tournament, despite Egypt's early exit, were a source of immense pride for the nation.
Africa Cup of Nations 2021: Salah once again led Egypt to the final, showcasing his leadership and skill, though they narrowly lost in a penalty shootout.
Legacy and Impact
Playing Style: Salah’s ability to blend extraordinary speed, mesmerising dribbling, and clinical finishing has made him one of the most feared attackers in the world.
His versatility allows him to excel in various attacking roles, and his work ethic is second to none.
Global Icon: Beyond his on-field achievements, Salah is a global icon, celebrated not only for his footballing prowess but for his humility, generosity, and dedication to his roots.
In Egypt, he is not just a footballer but a national hero, embodying hope and inspiration for millions.
Philanthropy: Salah’s impact extends far beyond the pitch. His philanthropic efforts, particularly in his hometown of Nagrig, where he has funded numerous projects including schools and hospitals, have endeared him to people around the world.
Conclusion
Mohamed Salah’s career is a story of determination, resilience, and brilliance.
From his early days in Egypt to his rise as one of the greatest players in the world, Salah’s journey is a beacon of inspiration, showing that with talent, hard work, and humility, greatness can be achieved.
His legacy is one that will endure for generations, not just as a footballer, but as a symbol of what is possible when dreams are pursued with unwavering passion.
READ MORE: Who is Arne Slot? A look at the new Liverpool manager’s career so far
