Egypt’s head coach Hossam Hassan has said he will support Mohamed Salah “wherever he goes” as the Liverpool player’s contract saga takes another twist.
The forward could have just nine games left in a Liverpool shirt with his contract set to expire at the end of the season. Along with Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, no decision has yet emerged on his future, meaning Salah could walk away from the club for free at the end of the season.
Should Liverpool’s no.11 leave, Saudi Arabia looks his most likely destination despite currently enjoying what is seen as a career-best campaign – one where he has already equaled the record for the most goal involvements in a single Premier League season.
Paris Saint-Germain has also been mentioned as a possible transfer option for the player, although Liverpool remains hopeful the player will remain at Anfield beyond this season. Invariably, the speculation has not subsided despite Salah being away from Liverpool and representing his country on international duty.
Speaking ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Ethiopia, Hassan was asked about Salah’s future at club level.
“I will be the first to support and stand by Salah in any decision he makes,” said the 58-year-old, as relayed by journalist Ismael Mahmoudlayed. “I know it’s not an easy situation, but he is a great player who will handle it well. I wish him success wherever he goes – he is Egypt’s finest ambassador.”
The Pharaohs sit top of their World Cup qualifying group with nine points from the first four matches. Despite Salah’s immense success at club level, he has never won a major trophy with Egypt. Twice he has finished as runner up at the Africa Cup of Nations, but will have another opportunity next winter when the competition is held in Morocco.
(Image: Getty)
“It’s time for Salah to lift the Africa Cup of Nations – he deserves it. The competition is tough, but Egypt is capable of winning the title,” said Hassan.
Salah has earned 107 international caps and has netted 57 times for his country. Hassan, with 69 goals, is the only player to score more goals than Salah in an Egypt shirt.
