Liverpool Draws Hard Line Against Mohamed Salah's Contract 'Demands' Amid Heated Negotiations
The motivation behind Mohamed Salah's recent public complaints following his benching by Liverpool remains unclear, but the Reds have no plans to let the Anfield icon force his way through intimidation tactics.
Just months after penning a deal reportedly valued at over £40 million ($53.7 million) across two seasons, Salah's lackluster displays—contributing to Liverpool's broader struggles this campaign—led to the Egyptian forward being benched.
Arne Slot continued to exclude him from the starting lineup for three consecutive matches, culminating in the Dec. 6 loss to Leeds United. Following that game, Salah utilized the media mixed zone to express his belief that he had been thrown "under the bus," made a scapegoat for the team's troubles.
In a controversial move, he also suggested that he shouldn't have to fight for his position and that his standing should remain unquestioned due to his contributions across the past eight years.
Slot responded by excluding his complaining and declining star from the Champions League triumph over Inter in Milan, before bringing Salah back to the substitute's bench for the following win against Brighton & Hove Albion.
The matter has been temporarily shelved as Salah joins Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations, though this respite won't last long and a more permanent solution will be needed by January.
David Ornstein from The Athletic shared his insight on the situation during an NBC Sports segment.
Liverpool Will Not Provide Salah with Playing Assurances
"Liverpool absolutely plan to retain Mo Salah," Ornstein stated. "They desire him to stay through the January window and beyond—he remains under contract through the summer of 2027."
Liverpool feel they "demonstrated their commitment very clearly" by providing Salah with his current deal—it's worth mentioning that the player employed mixed zone discussions several times last season to apply pressure on the organization.
However, if the situation requires Liverpool to provide Salah with specific assurances, that's not going to occur. "That appears to be the core of the debate," Ornstein noted.
From Liverpool's standpoint, Salah must determine his desires. "If he genuinely wishes to depart, will he present some options? We understand there will be discussions and interest is abundant. We're aware Al Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League admires him. Al Hilal shows less enthusiasm, but there would be appreciation from across Europe too."
Liverpool are managing the situation in a "practical" fashion but ultimately anticipate Salah will "stay at Anfield past January and for the near future."