Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has hinted he would be happy to stay Anfield beyond the end of his current contract in 2023, but insists his future is ‘in the hands of the club’.
Salah previously flirted with the idea of a transfer to Real Madrid or Barcelona in December when he gave an interview to a Spanish publication and has refused to rule anything out.
The 28-year-old was diplomatic when he responded to fresh questions from Norwegian broadcaster TV2 about his Anfield future, firmly directing responsibility for such matters to the club and stating his undivided loyalty for as long as he remains a Liverpool player.
“I do not know,” Salah said.
“If you ask, I say I want to stay here as long as I can, but as I have said before, it is in the hands of the club. I will always give 100% until the last minute I am at this club and I want to win as many trophies as I can. And I want to give 100% to the people, who show me love all the time.”
90min revealed last month that Salah is not desperate to leave Liverpool, nor is he unhappy at Anfield. But there is an acceptance that he isn’t as close with manager Jurgen Klopp as some of the other players in the squad.
He also feels he needs to take the next step in his career if he is to realise a personal ambition of being recognised as the greatest African player of all time. Were he to leave, that next step would be joining Real or Barca, seen by many as the pinnacle of club football, regardless of current levels.
While Salah is not actively pushing to leave, his representatives have already starting looking at the options that might be available. Lionel Messi’s future in particular could influence what happens if he chooses to leave Barcelona and creates a huge void that needs filling at Camp Nou.
Liverpool are considering offering Salah a new contract but neither side is desperate to begin talks.
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