Signs Indicate Mohamed Salah Will Stay at Liverpool As Saudi Interest Cools
Salah’s Importance to Liverpool’s Success
Ian Herbert, writing for the Daily Mail, highlights just how crucial Mohamed Salah remains to Liverpool’s ambitions. Arne Slot, the current Liverpool manager, recently underscored Salah’s value, stating, “People always feel like, ‘Ah, you’ve got Mo Salah, what are you talking about? He will always score a goal’. No — it is difficult.” Despite Salah’s modesty in interviews, his statistics this season are astounding. He has been directly involved in 38.3% of Liverpool’s Premier League goals, a figure that dwarfs the contributions of most of his teammates.
Graeme Souness, a respected voice on Liverpool matters, echoed the urgency of retaining Salah, stating, “I think Liverpool must realise how important it is to keep him.” Salah’s consistency is undeniable, having failed to score or assist in only four of Liverpool’s 25 league matches this season.
The first signs that Liverpool will sign Salah to a new deal – and why it must happen #lfc https://t.co/TQiX1blZ8w
— Ian Herbert (@ianherbs) February 18, 2025
Contract Talks: Dilemma for Liverpool
The debate around Salah’s contract extension is intense. Salah turns 33 in June, and Liverpool’s data-driven model typically advises caution over long-term deals for players in their thirties. However, as Ian Herbert points out, Salah defies conventional logic with his physical fitness and performance metrics surpassing those from two years ago. Liverpool are exploring if Salah would accept a performance-based contract structure.
Herbert reveals that Liverpool have considered replacements like Bryan Mbeumo, Antoine Semenyo, Jamie Gittens, and Takefusa Kubo, but none carry Salah’s proven goal threat. Alexander Isak from Newcastle is seen as a more viable alternative, yet his transfer could cost upwards of £120 million with substantial wages. As Herbert puts it, “Salah is the man already in the building, with all the certainties that brings.”
Saudi Pro League Interest and Salah’s Position
Recent reports from the Saudi Pro League suggest a cooling of their interest. A senior adviser was quoted by Ian Herbert as saying, “We are getting less indication from the player that he is even considering moving here.” This hints that Salah’s priority may be staying at Anfield. Salah’s negotiating strength is bolstered by the fact that Liverpool’s current forward options, including Jota, Diaz, and Nunez, do not match his scoring consistency. Ian Herbert notes, “Salah’s negotiating position is strengthened by the fact that the other strikers Slot rotates bring nowhere near the same goal threat.”
Two More Years Could Secure Liverpool’s Future
The prospect of Salah staying for at least two more years offers Liverpool time to plan succession without a sudden void. Ian Herbert draws comparisons with Liverpool’s past, noting how Bob Paisley managed transitions by grooming future stars like Dalglish while retaining experienced players. A similar approach could help Liverpool find Salah’s successor without compromising their title ambitions.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
If this report proves accurate and Mohamed Salah signs a new contract, Liverpool fans have every reason to be ecstatic. Salah embodies everything that has driven the club’s success over the past seven years — consistency, class, and clutch performances in crucial moments. The notion that Salah might be willing to stay, despite lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia, only strengthens his legendary status.
With Arne Slot at the helm, Salah’s experience could be vital in helping the team transition into a new era. Fans will be thrilled at the thought of Salah mentoring younger talents like Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez while continuing to lead by example on the pitch.
Moreover, keeping Salah is a statement of intent from Liverpool’s owners, signalling that the club remains committed to challenging for trophies. A joint announcement with Virgil van Dijk, as Ian Herbert hints, would galvanise the squad and the supporters alike.
Ultimately, Salah signing a new deal would feel like a major victory, as important as any marquee signing, because retaining one of the world’s best players is the clearest path to continued success.
