Wednesday evening, Liverpool will host a decimated Real Madrid for the fifth day of the Champions League. While this five-star encounter should already be on everyone's minds, it was overshadowed in England by Mohamed Salah's punchy media outing. At the end of his contract next June, the Pharaoh took advantage of a few tight microphones to send a message to his management about his future. “It’s almost December and I haven’t received any offers to stay at the club yet. I probably left more than stayed. You know I have been in the club for many years. There is no club like this. But in the end, it's not in my hands. As I said before, it’s December and I haven’t received anything regarding my future yet.”
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He then admitted to being quite disappointed: “of course, yes. I love the fans. The fans love me. Ultimately, it's not in my hands or those of the fans. Let's wait and see (…) Of course, yes. I'm not retiring soon, so I'm just playing, focusing on the season and trying to win the Premier League and hopefully the Champions League as well. I’m disappointed, but we’ll see.” Strong words from the Egyptian international. This is not the first time that he has spoken out on the subject and challenged his club. But this time, his speech comes almost a month before a winter transfer window where he could slam the door six months before the end of his lease. It also comes at a time when Salah seems to be walking on water, having scored 12 goals and provided 10 assists in 18 matches in all competitions. The timing was therefore perfect for the Salah clan, who made themselves heard.
Angry fans
Indeed, many Liverpool fans have stepped up to defend him on social networks and in the columns of the Daily Mail. The English media spoke of the anger of the fans. One of them said: “We are in a situation where Mo Salah, arguably our greatest player of all time and the best in the world at the moment, is out of contract in 7 months and has to speak to the media about his disappointment. If he does not extend it, it will be completely unforgivable.” Another added: “If we don't give Mohamed Salah what he wants, then we must do everything we can to boycott the owners and drive them out. This is the biggest mistake FSG could make.” But this release was not appreciated by everyone. Former member of the house, Jamie Carragher did not like Salah washing his dirty laundry in public as he explained during the Monday Night Football.
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“Of course there were discussions. Right now, there's obviously a big difference in valuation, how Salah and his agent value themselves, in terms of contract length, and how Liverpool are doing. The reason Liverpool haven't offered a contract yet is because Mo Salah would turn it down. They are still in talks, I can't wait for them to meet halfway. But I must say that I am very disappointed with Mo Salah. This interview from last night… Liverpool host Real Madrid midweek and Manchester City next weekend. That's the news in Liverpool at the moment. We know, especially local journalists close to the club, that in seven years, he has stopped twice in the mixed zone (…) If he continues to make comments or if his agent continues to publish enigmatic tweets, it is selfish. They think about themselves and not the football club.
The press criticizes Salah
For his part, the Liverpool Echo, who explained that the 32-year-old had only stopped twice in 367 matches, also attacked him. “Without going too far, Liverpool's top scorer with 12 goals was remarkably frank. With just five weeks left before he can legally talk to clubs outside England about a pre-contract deal, claiming no formal offer has yet been tabled is a lie. Fans will wonder what's going on behind the scenes with owners Fenway Sports Group, their “football CEO” Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes, although there are plenty of nuances to a situation that isn't as simple as simply rewarding your top scorer with an upgraded contract. L'Echo learned in September that Salah absolutely wanted to stay and his latest statements are the first public confirmation of this.”
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The British publication continues: “he does not want to retire or go to a championship that is not as intense or as prestigious as the one he currently dominates with the leaders. Salah was the subject of an offer from Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad in August 2023, but FSG president Mike Gordon personally declined an offer worth up to 'at £150 million (…) Salah is the highest paid player in Anfield history, with a salary of between £350,000 and £400,000. But while Salah's public statements may make supporters cringe at the thought of losing him, it appears discussions with agent Ramy Abbas are underway. These discussions have been described as positive by the Echo, and while no comment will be provided while uncertainty continues, work is underway behind the scenes.” In the middle of the Champions League week, Liverpool must manage the fire caused by Mohamed Salah. A first response from Arne Slot is expected tomorrow at a press conference.
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Pub. the 25/11/2024 22:03
– UPDATE 25/11/2024 23:47
