For almost a decade, Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne have established themselves as two of the best players in Premier League history. However, time waits for no one and now Liverpool and Man City are facing the difficult question of when to say goodbye to stars who have passed the age of 30?
Salah's current contract with Liverpool expires in June next year, while De Bruyne has just a few months left to extend. However, the reactions from the two clubs have been somewhat different. Despite publicly expressing their desire to keep Salah, The Kop have yet to make an official offer. Meanwhile, The Citizens have even shown indifference to extending De Bruyne's contract.
However, the two players had opposite reactions. Salah constantly reminded about his future through various media channels, from live interviews to social networks. In contrast, De Bruyne appeared calm, even saying that he was not worried and wanted to focus on recovering from his injury.
At 32, Salah and De Bruyne are both approaching the end of their careers. While they still show impressive ability, a decline in form is inevitable. So are clubs willing to continue paying huge wages to players whose prime is approaching?
The Premier League has had its fair share of difficult decisions when it comes to ageing stars. In 2009, Manchester United famously opted against making ideal commitments to players over the age of 26. Similarly, Arsenal under Arsene Wenger also adopted a policy of only offering one-year contracts to players over the age of 32.
Mohamed Salah has seen former teammates like Jordan Henderson, Roberto Firmino and Georginio Wijnaldum all decline rapidly after turning 30. Their inconsistent form has forced them to leave Liverpool and seek leagues that are much less competitive than the Premier League.
Today, thanks to advances in nutrition, recovery and training, many players can extend their peak careers into their mid- or late 30s. Examples like Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric and Karim Benzema show that age is no longer the barrier it once was.
However, each player is a different case. Salah and De Bruyne may still be able to maintain their form for the next few years, but there is no guarantee that they will continue to play at the highest level.
Clubs are not just sporting organisations, they are businesses. They have to balance maintaining relationships with iconic players with making sound financial decisions. Salah and De Bruyne are players who bring value both on and off the pitch. However, keeping them on high wages can become a burden if their form declines.
The question is not whether Salah and De Bruyne deserve new contracts, but whether Liverpool and Man City are prepared to gamble on their inevitable decline. Whatever the final decision, these will be landmark moments for both clubs that could shape their futures for years to come.
