Liverpool on the brink with idol's uncertain future

Liverpool is at a fork in the road, and it's no exaggeration to say Mohamed Salah's future is one of the most heated topics. The Egyptian star has made comments about his future with his contract running out this summer in June 2025 that have only raised red flags at Anfield. The very possibility that Salah's reign might be reaching an end brings uncertainty and speculation, opening the door for deeper reflection on the stance of the club, the ambitions of the player, and negotiations done behind the scenes.

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Salah makes it clear: “More out than in”

In a rare moment of candor in the mixed zone after Liverpool’s win over Southampton, Salah revealed what many had suspected: negotiations for his contract renewal have yet to advance. “I’m probably more out than in,” said the 32-year-old forward. For a player who has been synonymous with success and consistency at Liverpool, these words seem like a forewarning of change.

Starting in January, Salah will be legally allowed to sign a pre-contract with any club, and that outlines the feeling of urgency that Liverpool have to sort out the situation. But the forward's words seemed to suggest a bit of passiveness on the part of management, which is perhaps trying to balance the desire to retain their star with financial constraints dictated by the market.

Liverpool's dilemma

No doubt, Salah is one of the biggest names in Liverpool's recent history. Since his arrival in 2017, he has not only won titles like the Premier League and Champions League but also become the heartbeat of the team. However, the market does not wait for anybody, and Saudi clubs have already shown strong appetite for the Egyptian. In 2023, Al-Ittihad made an impressive offer of £150 million, which was promptly rejected by Liverpool.

Now the question is whether Liverpool want to see Salah leave for free. The lack of a renewal so far leaves the club in a delicate position. Were Salah to leave on a free transfer, it would be both a financial and symbolic blow. On the other hand, holding onto a player without a long-term commitment could also affect the atmosphere of the team.

Salah and the Saudi temptation

Saudi clubs have been following Salah for years, so it's hard to preclude his move to the Saudi league. Soccer in the region, which already attracted stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, makes no secret of its ambitions to become one of the sport's main centers of gravity. For Salah, who has already won everything there is to win in European soccer, a fat contract in Saudi Arabia would represent one last big challenge-and, of course, a pretty big paycheck.

However, Salah has refused to talk about the topic: "I don't want to talk about that," he said, emphasizing professionalism. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, his main man is his agent, Ramy Abbas. According to The Athletic, there are ongoing talks between Liverpool and Abbas, with some feeling that the club is trying to reach a compromise. Yet, the words by Salah suggest there is a disconnection between what is being talked about and what he is feeling.

One thing that could work in Liverpool's favor is the fact that Salah has a close attachment with the club and the fans emotionally. He has spoken about his love for them, and vice versa. As we know, though, soccer isn't fueled by emotions alone.