"Mo's not even got to that stage yet" - When Ian Rush offered advice to Mohamed Salah on Liverpool future amid contract uncertainty
Liverpool legend Ian Rush had already made his stance clear on Mohamed Salah’s future, urging the Egyptian superstar to stay at Anfield as he approached the final few months of his contract.
Speaking last year, the club’s all-time leading scorer expressed his hope that Salah would commit his future to the Reds, emphasizing the forward’s importance to the team and the adoration he receives from fans.
In an interview with the Liverpool Echo, Rush shared his thoughts on Salah, who has been a key figure for The Reds since he arrived in 2017.
"I’d love him to extend his contract. We don’t know what will happen, but I’m sure every Liverpool supporter would love that as well."
Reflecting on his own career, Rush revealed how his situation differed from Salah’s.
The Welshman, who left Merseyside for Juventus in 1987 before returning to Anfield a year later, admitted he departed the club a second time in 1996 to secure regular playing time.
"I left because I wasn’t playing regularly. I just wanted to play football. I didn’t want to sit on the bench, and that’s what you’ve got to look at. But Mo’s not even got to that stage yet. He’s still the main man, and there’s not really any reason for him to go."
At 32, Salah continues to defy expectations, cementing his status as one of Liverpool’s all-time greats. With over 200 goals to his name, the Egyptian ranks third on the club’s scoring charts, trailing only Rush and Roger Hunt.
His consistent brilliance and record-breaking feats have made him a fan favorite, an irreplaceable figure in Jürgen Klopp’s side, and now under Arne Slot.
Rush further reiterated his admiration for Salah during the Northwest Football Awards last month. Here's what he told The Mail:
"Me and Mo speak quite a lot. People talk about whether he’s staying or going, but I just enjoy watching him on the pitch. He’s a joy to watch. You think he hasn’t done anything for 20 minutes, then he pops up with a goal or two. You can’t buy that. That’s special, and he’s a special player. Everyone wants him to stay."
With Salah’s contract set to expire next summer, Liverpool fans now anxiously await news on his future. While speculation continues to swirl about potential moves abroad, Rush’s comments underline just how vital the Egyptian remains to Liverpool's ambitions and legacy.
Mo Salah set a staggering record in Liverpool's win against Tottenham Hotspur
The Reds ran through Spurs' defense even as they conceded three goals. Liverpool beat Spurs 6-3 to assert dominance at the top of the table. Arne Slot's side returned to winning ways following consecutive draws against Fulham and Newcastle United.
As for the Spurs, they have won one in their last five Premier League games and are struggling in the bottom half of the table.
Goals from Luis Diaz (23', 85'), Alexis Mac Allister (36'), Dominik Szoboszlai (45+1'), and Mo Salah (54',61') sealed the game for the Reds.
Following his two goals against Spurs, the Egyptian became the first player in Premier League history to register 10+ goals and assists before Christmas.
