Liverpool attacker Mohamed Salah has dropped the biggest bombshell yet over his future at Anfield, revealing that he is currently "more out than in" as he awaits an extension offer.
It is an open secret that the 32-year-old - who was on target twice in Sunday's 3-2 come-from-behind win over Southampton at St Mary's - is out of contract at the end of the season and can talk to foreign clubs from January onwards.
Despite the unwelcome distraction regarding his future, Salah is still making nets ripple for fun in a Liverpool shirt and has contributed 12 goals and 10 assists from 18 matches in all tournaments this season.
Salah's double over the Saints propelled Liverpool eight points clear of Manchester City at the summit of the Premier League table, but the Egypt international made a massive revelation about his future to reporters after the game.
As quoted by The Athletic, Salah revealed that he was yet to receive a new contract proposal from the powers-that-be, and he considers himself to be more "out" of the club than "in" as he runs down his existing agreement.
Salah: 'I have received no offers, it is not in my hands'
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"We are almost in December and I haven't received any offers yet to stay in the club. I'm probably more out than in," the winger said. "You know I have been in the club for many years.
"There is no club like this. But in the end it is not in my hands. As I said before, it is December and I haven't received anything yet about my future. I love the fans. The fans love me. In the end it is not in my hands or the fans' hands. Let's wait and see.
"I'm not going to retire soon so I'm just playing, focusing on the season and I'm trying to win the Premier League and hopefully the Champions League as well. I'm disappointed but we will see.
"I'm very professional. Everybody can see my work ethic. I'm just trying to enjoy my football and I will play at the top level as long as possible. I'm just doing my best because this is who I am and I try to give it all for myself and for the club. We will see what happens next."
Salah is still believed to be a priority target for the Saudi Pro League after Al-Ittihad's unsuccessful £150m bid in 2023, but the ex-Chelsea man refused to comment on the speculation surrounding a move to the Middle East.
Mohamed Salah comments analysed: A desperate plea or a farewell message?
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First and foremost, this is not the first time Salah has sent tongues wagging with comments about his future this season; he memorably said that he was planning for the 2024-25 season to be his last at the club after September's win over Manchester United.
As the 32-year-old emphasised, he has nothing but love for the club and the Anfield faithful, and having affirmed that he has no plans to hang up his boots any time soon, he presumably feels that he still has a lot to offer in European football.
Salah's "more out than in" line will justifiably spark concern among the Liverpool fanbase, but his revelation appears to be yet another nudge to the hierarchy to accelerate talks and stump up an offer of a new contract as soon as possible, as opposed to hinting that he wants out.
The attacker has given no indication whatsoever that his head has been turned by the riches of Saudi Arabia, and even at 32, he is still in excellent shape and highlighted the "work ethic" that allows him to perform at the top level for so long.
Salah's professionalism and discipline will not wane for as long as he is playing, but it is hard not to feel at least a shred of sympathy for sporting director Richard Hughes, who is also tasked with securing renewals for Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk at the same time.
Fenway Sports Group may also have taken notice of their rivals handing ageing players new contracts and living to regret it - see Arsenal and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - but for a Liverpool legend with plenty still to give, a new contract ought to be a no-brainer.
Ben Knapton
