Alan Shearer has expressed his shock that Liverpool have allowed star man Mohamed Salah to run down his contract. Salah was key in Liverpool's 3-0 victory at Manchester United on Sunday, providing two assists for Luis Diaz and scoring the third goal to seal the win against their fierce rivals.
Since joining Liverpool in 2017, the Egyptian winger has been an exceptional performer, netting 214 goals and providing 92 assists in 352 appearances. In July 2022, Salah signed a three-year deal that would keep him at Anfield until the summer of 2025, with a staggering weekly wage of £350,000.
However, there has been no progress on a new contract since then, which has left former Premier League star Shearer puzzled about the club's current decision making. Speaking to Betfair , the ex-Newcastle striker admitted that he thought Salah was clever to bring up his contract after the United match, suggesting he was sending a "message" to Liverpool bosses to secure his long-term future.
READ MORE: Luis Diaz could hand Liverpool a contract conundrum after Barcelona transfer interest
READ MORE: Luis Diaz sends emotional plea to Mohamed Salah after Liverpool contract admission
Shearer said: "I think it was a good move on Mo Salah's part after playing such an important role in that win against Man United to come out and say he was treating it like his last season at the club.
"A couple of assists, a really good goal, a player-of-the-match performance, and then being interviewed afterwards to say that no one has come to him or his agent about a contract, which I am amazed about. The situation with him, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil Van Dijk , I'm really surprised they've allowed three big-hitters to get to this stage.
"Mo was putting a message out there, there's no doubt about that and whether they listen, whether they're prepared to give him the length of contract he wants, or the money he wants, we'll see. There are so many different factors.
"He may want a big payday and go abroad; we know there was talk about him a few months back about him going to Saudi. Whether that's what he wants or not I don't know, but it was clever timing on his part to put that message out."
The Premier League icon also praised Salah's efforts since the new season began, adding that the winger has had time to recover over the summer in order to get back to his best. Shearer continued: "The thing with Salah is, he's had a rest in the summer and come back in better than ever.
"He's started the season incredibly well and when you look at his physique and who and what he is, there's no doubt he can play at the top level for another two or three years at least. I understand from his point of view that he'll want a longer contract as he'll feel he's better than a one-year deal, but I guess it's 'watch this space' with him."
Shearer has also highlighted that two other key Liverpool players - Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk - are also nearing the end of their contracts. This could lead to a tense January transfer window for the Reds if the club don't secure new deals for these players.
Without contract extensions, Salah, Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold will be able to negotiate pre-contracts with other clubs. Shearer added: "There's no doubt the talent, energy and ability are still there and will be for a while, but I just find it really surprising that Salah, Trent and Van Dijk have been allowed to get into the last year of their contracts; particularly Trent being homegrown.
"I find it really surprising the football club have got themselves into this position."
Local News
Comments / 0