"Not someone who will sign a new contract and clock off" - Ian Wright says Liverpool star deserves new contract amid standoff
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has claimed that Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah deserves a contract extension amid the uncertainty surrounding his future. The Englishman lauded the 32-year-old's dedication and work ethic, saying that the Reds should offer him the exact terms that he wants.
In a seven-year stint at Anfield, Salah has established himself as one of the best forwards in not only the club's history but also in the Premier League history. He has racked up 223 goals and 99 assists in 367 appearances across all competitions for the Reds.
Despite his impressive record, the administration are yet to offer him a contract extension beyond its current expiration in 2025. Cryptic tweets, ambiguous public statements from Salah himself, and rumors linking him with moves to the Saudi Pro League have created a convoluted saga about his future.
Many Liverpool fans as well as analysts and media have urged the club to re-sign him, with Wright being the latest addition to the list. On the Kelly and Wright Show, Darren Lewis and the 61-year-old discussed the situation in detail.
Lewis referenced former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's drop in form after his contract extension, saying:
"He wants three years, they want to give him two, and you can understand why. There's a long history of players in the Premier League signing big contracts over 30 and you give them big money and suddenly they drop off. You know that with Aubameyang at Arsenal."
In response, Wright said:
"But the thing is, we're talking about Mo Salah. Salah doesn’t miss games, he's not that kind of player. Look at him, the way he keeps himself, the way he is as a man, he's not someone who will sign a new contract and clock off. If there's anyone over 30 who I’m going to give a three-year deal to, it’s going to be him."
Salah has been on top form for Liverpool this season, with 12 goals and 10 assists in 18 appearances across all competitions.
"Get him to stay" - Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand implores Liverpool to extend Mohamed Salah's contract
Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand defended Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah's recent statements about his contractual situation. The 46-year-old said that the Reds should 'get him to stay' because players like him 'win you trophies'.
As it stands, Salah's contract at Anfield expires at the end of the 2024-25 campaign. Amid the uncertainty surrounding his future, the Egyptian was asked about the entire situation after he grabbed a brace in a 3-2 win over Southampton on November 24.
He expressed his disappointment, saying (via Sky Sports):
"Well, we are almost in December and I haven't received any offers yet to stay in the club. I'm probably more out than in. You know I have been in the club for many years. There is no club like this. But in the end it is not in my hands."
Ferdinand backed the Egyptian forward on TNT Sports, saying:
"How do you replace 30-odd goals a season, every season... Match it up, get him to stay because these guys win you trophies."
"I like the transparency of it (Salah's words), I like the confidence, I like the ‘you know who I am, you know what I give you, let’s talk’. I like that, and I think it puts pressure on the club," Ferdinand added.
Up next, Salah will be seen in action when Liverpool take on Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League on November 27.
