TNT Sports football analyst Steve McManaman has highlighted the crucial role that Mohamed Salah plays for Liverpool, emphasizing the need for the club to secure his services for an extended period. As Salah’s contract hangs in the balance, with an expiry date set for 2025, concerns have been raised about what lies ahead for both him and other essential team members like Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Salah has had an impressive start to the season, hitting double figures for goals and assists, which has been pivotal in keeping Liverpool at the summit of the Premier League under the guidance of manager Arne Slot.
Salah’s recent performance against Southampton, where he scored two crucial goals that contributed to a well-fought 3-2 victory, only reaffirms his status as one of the league’s most potent players. While his stellar contributions on the pitch have made headlines, the uncertainty surrounding his contract has inevitably raised questions. McManaman, however, exhibited confidence in Liverpool’s management to handle the situation, stating that retaining Salah is critical and that he sees Salah’s contract situation as resolvable.
Expressing his thoughts on Salah’s situation during an interview with TNT Sports, McManaman remarked, “He’s going to be nigh on impossible to replace, that’s the thing.” He underscored the Ukrainian forward’s exceptional impact by pointing out the impressive statistics Salah continues to produce at this stage of his career. At just 32 years old, McManaman believes that locking him into a longer contract would serve Liverpool well. He expressed his conviction that if Salah desires to remain with the club, a deal will be reached.
The crux of the conversation centered on Salah’s personal preferences. McManaman pointed out that if Salah and his family are content at Liverpool and aim to extend their stay, then an agreement could be straightforward. Conversely, if they are inclined to explore opportunities abroad, then negotiations would become complex. Nonetheless, McManaman seems optimistic that Salah’s aspirations to shatter more records will keep him invested in Liverpool for the foreseeable future, asserting, “I’m not nervous about the situation.”
Beyond mere statistics, McManaman offered insights into Salah’s longevity as a player. He contended that Liverpool would likely offer him a new deal, considering that Salah is still physically fit and exhibits professionalism in maintaining his form. He noted that the length of the new contract will be critical—whether it’s for two, three, or possibly four years relies on various components of the negotiation. McManaman emphasized the importance of finding common ground that satisfies both the player and the club.
Furthermore, McManaman touched on financial aspects, suggesting that Salah’s off-pitch business dealings might alleviate any monetary worries that could affect his contract decision. He stated, “[Salah] doesn’t seem like that type of gentleman,” implying that his primary focus would be his passion for football. Given that Salah is currently playing for one of the best teams in Europe, the argument for a change seems minimal.
With Slot steering Liverpool to four wins from four games so far this season and managing questions concerning the futures of prominent players like Salah, Alexander-Arnold, and Van Dijk, McManaman remains unfazed. He feels that these uncertainties will not hinder Liverpool’s strong start in the Premier League. He mentioned, “Personally, I don’t think it matters,” indicating his belief that players are capable of compartmentalizing contract concerns from their on-field performances.
In conclusion, McManaman expressed confidence that the issues regarding contracts will neither derail the team’s cohesiveness nor diminish the players’ focus on achieving their personal and collective goals for the season. “There shouldn’t be a lack of focus from anybody,” he stated, reinforcing his belief that both individual ambitions and team objectives will prevail, regardless of contract negotiations. With such sentiments, it’s clear that both fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Liverpool will navigate these crucial discussions in the months ahead.
