Jurgen Klopp has played down any drama over a contract extension for star forward Mohamed Salah saying, ‘what we all want is clear’.
Salah has emerged as one of the club’s greatest ever players following his signing in 2017, breaking record after record to help Liverpool compete for the grandest prizes on offer.
The Egyptian has stepped up yet another level this season with a whopping 19 goals and nine assists in 20 games, provoking claims that he is the best player in the world on current form.
Salah’s current deal at Anfield expires in 2023, opening the pathway for him to negotiate a free transfer in a year’s time with a foreign club over a deal paved with signing-on bonuses.
Supporters in the Kop have been eagerly awaiting any updates over a new deal, but little news is yet to emerge this season with Salah reported to be increasing his wage demands.
The 29-year-old went on record earlier in the season to say the idea of playing against the Reds makes him sad, but any extension doesn’t depend on him.
But now, perhaps in an attempt to force Liverpool’s hand, Salah has welcomed links to cash-strapped LaLiga side Barcelona amid rumours.
“I read what was said about [Barca boss] Xavi’s interest to sign me,” Salah said.
“This is something that makes me happy that a team like Barcelona is interested in me, but I’m happy in Liverpool and we will see what happens in the future.
“At the moment, I prefer to stay in the Premier League as it’s the strongest league in the world.”
The players’ words were put to his manager Klopp ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League clash against AC Milan, and the German confirmed the club and Salah want the same thing.
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“We are talking,” Klopp said. “Extending a contract with a player like Mo is not a thing you do over a cup of tea in the afternoon and find an agreement.
“This is completely normal. There’s really nothing else to say. Mo speaks about it when he gets asked about it. I can say only a few things because the rest is not for the public.
“Mo is fine, I’m fine. What we all want is clear and things like this take time. That’s it.”
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