Arne Slot was confident that Mohamed Salah’s contract negotiations were “heading in the right direction”, suggesting that Liverpool fans will breathe a sigh of relief now that the Egyptian star has finally put pen to paper on a new deal. Salah’s future has been a hot topic throughout the season, but any exit rumours have now been quashed.
Salah has committed to a further two years at Anfield amidst one of his most impressive seasons yet. If he maintains his current scoring rate, he could end the season with career-best figures, having already surpassed the 30-goal mark.
Despite his years, the ex-Chelsea player is still at the top of his game and is undoubtedly Liverpool’s most dependable asset in the final third. His contributions have helped Liverpool secure a strong lead in the Premier League as he sets his sights on a second title.
With Salah remaining at the club, Slot will be able to build on what looks set to be a title-winning season, providing a significant boost ahead of summer recruitment.
The Liverpool manager commented: “I am happy, of course. He has shown for so many years in a row how much value he has to the club, like all the fans and the team-mates they are very happy he has extended for two more years.
“Relief? For the fans I think so. It’s no surprise to you I knew a bit better how the contract situation went. I knew a bit longer things were heading in the right direction. It is a big compliment to Richard Hughes because Mo Salah, as a free agent, can go to any club he wants to.”
Liverpool is working hard to secure the future of skipper Virgil van Dijk. The Dutchman has disclosed that he’s had encouraging discussions with the club officials, and his retention would certainly provide a substantial lift.
(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Salah has decided against a move away from Liverpool, despite indicating earlier in the season that this year might be his last at Anfield. His initial stance was later reinforced when he expressed being “more out than in” amid stalled contract negotiations.
However, Slot is buoyant over Salah’s choice to stay, viewing it as evidence of the player’s belief in achieving further glories with Liverpool as they aim to extend their current campaign’s success.
Slot went on to add: “First of all, he has always been judged as a player, but I also see him as a human being and he is humble, works hard and puts so much effort in to become the player he is. He keeps that effort every single day. He can score goals if he is not in the best half hour or 15 mins and that is why he is mentally so strong. He has to be strong mentally and apart from the other things that is probably what stands out for me.
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“How much input did I have? I am part of the process but I don’t deserve the compliments, it’s Mo, his agent and then FSG, Richard, they all put the effort, which means money! But also effort. What it might tell you is that it is not only a good season now we want more next season and Mo is convinced we can do so. So that is positive for us.”
It looks as though Trent Alexander-Arnold will be the only big-name player exiting Liverpool with the conclusion of his contract this summer. The right-back continues to be linked with Real Madrid, with the Spanish giant growing in confidence of reaching an agreement.
