Mohamed Salah is on the threshold of history, but with the possibility of only 9 more matches to end his career at Liverpool. The 32-year-old's limited successes are overshadowed by the story of his contract at Anfield.
Another goal will see the Egyptian overcome Sergio Aguero to become the top non-English player in Premier League history.
Both have the same record of 184 goals, and Salah could break this record as early as in the Merseyside derby against Everton at Anfield.
With nine games left as Liverpool seek to win their first Premier League title since the 2019-2020 season, Salah could eras another Man City striker.
The Egyptian striker is aiming to surpass Erling Haaland's record of 36 goals in a Premier League season, set for the 2022-2023 campaign.
Haaland's record, surpassing the 34-goal mark of Andy Cole (Newcastle, 1993-1994) and Alan Shearer (Blackburn Rovers, 1994-1995), seems to have been safe for many years. However, Salah has scored 27 goals this season, so there is still a chance to break Haaland's record.
But since Salah's future at Liverpool remains unresolved, the former Chelsea striker's main focus is on what happens next.
The most important thing is where he will play next season. This is a theme that has been going on throughout this season. Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold are allowed to enter the final year of their contracts with Liverpool without having to negotiate new deals.
Each contract has a different nature. Alexander-Arnold at the age of 26 is at the peak of his career and may request a long-term contract.
Real Madrid sources told ESPN that they are optimistic about recruiting the defender as a free player in the summer. Liverpool look set to lose their academy-based player.
Van Dijk also had an excellent season. But with the Dutchman turning 34 in July, the club must consider giving the centre-back a worthy contract for his status as the world's best defender.
But at the same time, it is also necessary to ensure that the contract term reflects Van Dijk's age and ability to maintain his class.
For Salah, Liverpool's dilemma is similar to Van Dijk's. But the striker is one year younger than Van Dijk and is the team's main scorer.
Salah's 27 goals so far in the 2024-2025 season mark his best return to the Premier League since scoring 32 goals in his 2017-2019 debut campaign.
According to ESPN, the biggest problem to overcome in negotiations with Salah and Van Dijk is the contract expiration date. Liverpool want to be cautious with players in their 30s, despite both being a mainstay of the team this season. However, every time Salah scores, Liverpool's failure to sign a new contract seems even more reckless.
If Salah finishes this campaign by breaking Haaland's record, it will further strengthen his negotiating position. Will Liverpool really let such an efficient and consistent goalscorer leave the club?
Salah will definitely decline at some point. Time will catch up, but Salah still scores at the same pace as when he arrived at Liverpool at the age of 25.
Haaland was just 22 years old when he set a record of 36 goals in a season two years ago. Cole was also 22 years old when he scored 34 goals, while Shearer was only 24 when he achieved this achievement a year later.
Salah is still on track to set a record this season at the age of 32, which is noteworthy. However, that is also proof of his ability and professionalism.
Liverpool rejected a £150m offer to Salah from Al Ittihad in August 2023. They did so because they believed that he would wear the Liverpool shirt for another 2 more seasons to be worth more than the money given by the Saudi Pro League team. It was a wise calculation and Liverpool were rewarded. However, they may have misjudged Salah's next big decision.
If Salah leaves as a free player at the end of this season, this could be one of the biggest mistakes Liverpool have ever made.
