Salah’s Great Play Makes New Contract Costly
Liverpool’s coach, Arne Slot, knows that Mohamed Salah’s amazing play might mean more money for the club if they want to keep him. Salah, who turns 33 in June, is still scoring goals like he did in his first season with Liverpool back in 2017. Salah’s Form Makes New Contract ‘More Expensive.
ICYMT: Promoted Sides Risk Unwanted Record
His recent match where he helped Liverpool beat Manchester City 2-0 really showed his worth. That win put Liverpool 11 points ahead in the Premier League. In that game, Salah made history by scoring and assisting against the champions in both matches of the season. He has 30 goals this season and is the first player in Premier League history to have 40 or more goal contributions in two seasons. He also stands out in Europe’s top leagues, being the only player this season involved in 50 goals across all competitions.
Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group, usually don’t offer huge contracts to players over 30. But Salah’s hot streak of scoring in his last eight games changes the game for negotiations. Slot admits this puts Liverpool in a tough spot.
Why Salah Matters
“You can see it both ways,” Slot said before the match against Newcastle. “If he keeps playing well, he might cost more. If he wasn’t playing great, we could think twice about his contract.”
“For everyone involved, it’s best that he keeps playing at this level. The only one who might not like it is the one who has to pay him.”
Slot pointed out that at Liverpool, everyone must play their best. “If you want to be here, you have to perform like Salah. If not, you won’t be much help. For Salah to stick around—and hopefully sign a new contract—he has to keep this up.”
Salah’s Ballon d’Or Hopes
After the win over City, Salah showed he really wants another Premier League title. His current form has people talking about him possibly winning the Ballon d’Or, putting him in the same conversation as legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Salah has scored and assisted in 49 league matches across Europe’s top leagues. Since 2006, only Messi and Ronaldo have done this more often.
Slot sees the importance of these talks. “The Ballon d’Or usually goes to attacking players, but it’s great that Salah is being talked about. It means he’s playing really well, and so is the team.”
However, Slot reminded everyone that these awards often depend on how the team does. “To stay in the Ballon d’Or talks, Salah needs to keep up this level for several months. Normally, to win it, a player has to win big trophies. That’s tough for Salah and the team.”
Salah’s Focus on Winning
Slot praised Salah’s full effort against Manchester City. “What stood out to me was that he not only scored and assisted, he also played great defense in the second half. That kind of commitment is key for us to win.”
He mentioned that for Salah to have a shot at awards like the Ballon d’Or, the team must do well. “In football, personal awards are linked to team success. Salah gets that. Winning as a team boosts his chances for individual awards.” Salah’s Form Makes New Contract ‘More Expensive.
Injury Update: Conor Bradley Out for Weeks
Slot also gave an injury update. Defender Conor Bradley will be out for “a few weeks” due to a hamstring injury.
