Transfer Centre

Mohamed Salah 'closing in on Liverpool contract extension despite Saudi interest'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 04 January 2024

Mohamed Salah is reportedly edging nearer a contract extension with Liverpool despite well-documented interest from the Saudi Pro League.

Liverpool are reportedly making progress in their efforts to secure a contract extension with Mohamed Salah.

Having contributed 204 goals and 88 assists from 332 appearances for the Merseyside giants, as well as winning the Premier League and Champions League, Salah has already established himself as one of Liverpool's greatest ever players.

However, there is uncertainty over how long the versatile attacker will remain at Anfield, a consequence of just 18 months remaining on his contract.

During the summer, the Egypt international was the subject of interest from Al-Ittihad with the Saudi Pro League allegedly prepared to pay at least £150m for his signature.

At the time, Liverpool refused to entertain any bids for the 31-year-old at a time when they did not have long enough to find a suitable replacement.

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah celebrates scoring their fourth goal on January 1, 2024 © Reuters

Furthermore, nothing from the Salah camp indicated that he was in any rush to make the switch to the Middle East, even though there is an expectation that he will eventually sign for a club in Saudi Arabia at some point in his career.

The consensus has been that, with a year remaining on his contract come the summer, he could opt to end his legendary stint with Liverpool and in the Premier League.

Nevertheless, according to FootballTransfers and Anfield Watch, Salah is showing signs that he is keen to sign a new contract with Liverpool.

Although there are no specifics over a potential length of any new deal, it would secure his future in the short term and end speculation about an exit.

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah celebrates scoring their first goal on January 1, 2024 © Reuters

The report adds that Liverpool would also change their approach in the transfer market if Salah pens a fresh contract, and will instead target other areas of the pitch.

Liverpool currently sit at the top of the Premier League standings, holding a three-point lead but with four teams within six points of first place.

Salah has been an ever-present in the top flight, contributing 14 goals and eight assists from 20 starts, with a further four strikes coming in other competitions.

Despite the alleged development with Salah, recent reports have indicated that Liverpool are in the market for a new centre-back to replace the injured Joel Matip.