Salah contract extension proves he has unfinished business in the Premier League
Egyptian footballer Mohamed Salah sent shockwaves through the footballing community when he announced he would be extending his contract for another two years, remaining with Liverpool until 2027.
In doing so, Salah put an end to suspicions that he would join the Saudi Pro League when his contract ended. Jeddah-based club Al Ittihad, in particular, was eager to sign the 32 year old, making a 150 million bid for the player. At one point there was even speculation that Salah could be next in line to join Al Hilal following Neymar’s departure from the club.
Rami Abbas, the player’s agent, wanted to renew his contract for three seasons, while Liverpool’s policy is to renew for only one season due to his age.
The Daily Mail newspaper reported that the player will receive a salary of 350,000 to 400,000 pounds sterling per week under his new contract with the Reds. Furthermore, Fenway Sports Group, the English club’s owner, has changed its contractual policies to please the Egyptian star.
“Of course I’m very excited”, he told Liverpool’s official club channels about his decision.
“We have a great team now. We had a great team too, but I signed because I believe we have a chance to win more trophies and to enjoy football.”
“It’s wonderful. I’ve had the best years of my life here. I’ve played for eight years and I hope it’s ten. I’m enjoying my life here, and I’m enjoying my football. I’ve had the best years of my career.”
Salah posted 2 photos on his X account, one of him sitting on a chair inside Anfield stadium and another with the phrase “the story continues” indicating his continued presence with the team.
It would seem that Salah is not quite done leaving a mark on the Premier League.
At present, he will need four more goals to be in fourth place on the Premier League top scorer list behind ex-Manchester United player, Andy Cole. Salah also ranks tenth for the all-time highest number of assists in the league.
With the choice to remain at Anfield being a largely unexpected one, Middle East media outlets have weighed in on the matter.
According to reports from Arabic media outlets, Salah did not intend to stay at Liverpool. While his decision to remain at Anfield came as a surprise to many, Arabic media highlighted comments he made late last year, stating he was “closer to leaving Liverpool than staying.” At the time, Salah remarked, “We’re about to enter December, and I haven’t received any offers yet to stay at the club.” He later insisted that renewing his contract was “out of the question,” though he has consistently expressed that staying at Liverpool has always been his preferred choice.
On the other hand, the journalist Fabrizio Romano said that the message from Salah to stay was always clear, highlighting his deep-rooted commitment to the club and its ambitions, further evidenced by his willingness to take a financial compromise to secure a two-year extension with Liverpool.
While the Emirati newspaper Al Ain cited three reasons for Salah staying, as evidence of his desire and continued thirst for winning the biggest titles in football, it indicated that although Saudi Arabia was “fertile ground” for him, he prefers European titles. Additionally, winning the Ballon d’Or might be one of his ultimate goals.
The second reason is his belief in Liverpool’s ability, under the leadership of Arne Slot, to help him achieve his goals.
Financial considerations played a major role in Mohamed Salah’s decision, especially since the dispute over salary and contract duration was one of the most prominent points that hindered the completion of renewal negotiations.
While the possibility of Salah leaving England for Saudi Arabia have been largely put to bed with this contract extension, come 2027, he may have enough achievements under his belt to finally bid farewell to the Premier league.
For now, he’ll “never walk alone.”
