Contract dilemma: Will Liverpool risk losing Mohamed Salah despite his impact?

Stat-based site Squawka revealed that Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah has maintained his intimidating presence in the opposition box. Liverpool have started the season strongly, winning nine out of their first 10 games in all competitions under Arne Slot so far.

Salah has continued to play a pivotal role at the Reds, maintaining his high prolific contributions with goals and assists. The 32-year-old is playing in the last season of his current contract at the club as the uncertainty surrounds him.

As per the rules, Salah can negotiate a pre-contract agreement with any club from January onwards which Liverpool should avoid. The Egypt captain has continued his role as the first-team right-wing player this season under the new tactics of Slot.

The 32-year-old has made 10 appearances so far in all competitions, contributing with six goals and six assists this season. Salah’s performances have put more pressure on the Liverpool hierarchy to make quick decisions over the future of the Egyptian.

Despite the continuous interest from Saudi Arabian clubs and European giants, Salah has maintained his unflinching loyalty to the Reds. Salah is earning £350,000 per week at Liverpool through his current contract which expires at the end of the season.

Upside and downside to Salah’s potential contract extension

As January draws near, the window to extend Salah’s contract is shrinking and Liverpool needs to make a final decision. The Reds have a strict policy that stops them from giving new contracts to ageing players to avoid financial risk.

However, Salah consistently dominates the attacking third, unmatched by any available right-winger. According to Squawka, Liverpool legend Salah has had more touches in the opposition box than any other player in the Premier League.

The Egypt captain made 76 touches, 10 more than second-place Arsenal star Bukayo Saka who made 67 touches so far. Salah’s high influence in the attacking half is incredibly important for the Reds and his fitness level remains at peak.

The Egypt captain faced criticism last season due to his late drop in form after a surprise injury lay-off. Nevertheless, Salah proved his naysayers wrong immediately at the start of this season with his fantastic output.

The addition of Federico Chiesa to the squad negates any potential risk if Salah suffers a similar drop in form. Chiesa is a fantastic competition for Salah and easily a perfect combination for the right-wing options for at least a couple of more seasons.

Furthermore, Liverpool cannot afford to lose their big asset as a free agent in the transfer market. They maintain a restricted budget and prioritize selling unneeded players to support their financial strategies.

On the downside, Salah’s wages play a critical role in Liverpool’s decision to extend his contract. If the Egyptian’s form significantly drops unexpectedly then his wages are a liability for the Reds.

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However, the Egypt captain remains highly desired by the Saudi Pro League clubs who could welcome him regardless. Furthermore, Liverpool could sign a young player in advance as they signed Giorgi Mamardashvili to secure the future of the goalkeeping department.