Mohamed Salah is 32 years old this year, an age when many players start to think about ending their peak careers and moving to "easy jobs with high salaries" in the Saudi Pro League or MLS. However, like many years ago, Mohamed Salah still refused all invitations to stay and play for Liverpool, despite the fact that the team has entered a new era.
During Jurgen Klopp's 9 glorious years at Liverpool, there were many players who became symbols of the club such as Virgil van Dijk, wingers Alexander-Arnold - Andy Robertson and goalkeeper Alisson Becker. However, the most prominent person is still Mo Salah.
The Egyptian striker formed one of Europe's most feared attacking trios alongside Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, with whom Liverpool won every trophy possible at club level and cemented Klopp's legacy at Anfield.
When they have passed their most glorious period, many people lose their passion for conquering, lose their form or simply want to find a new environment, Salah still stays even though many doors have opened before him to step into a new chapter.
The remaining veterans after the Jurgen Klopp era are all rumored to have potential destinations after the 2024-2025 season, only Salah remains steadfast at Anfield despite all the media storms.
If he had not actively rejected offers in the past, perhaps in this winter transfer period, the "Egyptian Pharaoh" would have become the hottest name sought after by big teams. Although up to now, information about the extension between the two sides has not been official, but if The Kop does not offer a new contract that matches Salah's legitimate wishes, it could create a scandal if the two sides end.
Why? Because even though he is 32 years old and has had many successful seasons, Salah's form has never wavered, he is still the leader of The Kop's attack. After round 19 of the Premier League, Salah is still leading the list of top scorers with 18 goals and 13 assists, contributing directly to a goal every 52.7 minutes on average. This number far exceeds the 59.1 minutes of Gabriel Jesus (Man City 2016-2017 season) and is even 10 minutes better than Erling Haaland in the record-breaking 2022-2023 season.
In addition, Salah reached the milestone of 30 assists faster than any player in Liverpool's history, surpassing Luis Suarez's achievement (19 matches). This further affirms his class and deserves to be one of the best players in the Premier League era.
After round 19, Salah has contributed to 38% of Liverpool's total goals in the Premier League, second only to Chris Wood (42%) and Erling Haaland (44%). Not only that, he also created more than 1/3 of the expected goals (xG) and big chances of the Anfield team.
Looking at the bigger picture, entering his 8th consecutive season with Liverpool, Salah has never scored less than 20 goals/season. Fans still talk about immortals like Ronaldo or Messi, but Salah certainly cannot be left out of that golden record.
The Egyptian star's stature with Liverpool comes not only from goals or assists, but also from his iconic status. In every promotional banner or image campaign of Liverpool, Salah always occupies the most prominent position. The Kop fans have many songs dedicated to their idol. If Jurgen Klopp has many flags printed on the Anfield stands, now that honor is given to Salah as well.
Arne Slot knows how important Salah is to Liverpool and The Kop do not want to lose their best striker in history this summer. Any plans for Salah will need to be carefully calculated so that both sides feel happy after many years of glory and dedication.
