Liverpool have been told by Micah Richards that it’s “imperative” that Mohamed Salah signs a new contract - but have been sent a warning by Gary Lineker.
The Egyptian is currently yet to sign a new deal with the Reds, with his current deal set to expire in 2023. Liverpool have been locked in negotiations for several months over an extension to Salah’s contract, but nothing has been agreed as things stand.
So far this season, Salah has scored 30 goals and provided 15 assists in all competitions. His form has helped Liverpool maintain a challenge for the Premier League title, as well as reach the final of all three major cup competitions, already winning one.
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With an extension yet to be agreed, former Manchester City defender Richards has weighed in on the situation. The now renowned pundit believes it’s vital that Liverpool reach an agreement to see Salah extend his stay at Anfield.
“It’s imperative that Liverpool [get him] to sign his contract,” said Richards on the Match of the Day Top 10 podcast.
“I know they’ve got Diaz, he’s quality. Firmino, Mane, Jota as well.
“I’m not one of those people that says ‘give him what he wants’, but they have to because he can score at any moment.”
Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer was in agreement with Richards about Salah’s contract. The former striker explained his reasoning for thinking Salah is worthy of a new deal.
“You’re practically guaranteed with him [to score 20 goals a season], so I agree they’ve got to give him a contract,” said Shearer.
However, Gary Lineker has sent a warning to Liverpool over the possibility of a contract extension for Salah. While agreeing that the Egyptian is deserving of a new deal, he explained the dilemmas that are likely to be facing the Reds in negotiations.
“The thing is, he knows that he is absolutely top tier, so he could play anywhere,” said Lineker.
“So to compete with that, then you’ve probably got to go against your whole wage structure. I don’t know what it is at Liverpool, I imagine it’s quite high anyway.
“But then you’ve got to make another leap again, and then you get the old knock on the door from the other players, they’ve got a few superstars who would be saying ‘I want that’.
“So it’s not always an easy decision, he’s nearly 30 years old so that’s a decision you’ve got to make about your wage structure.
“We’ve seen that teams can get into trouble, so it’s not that easy.”
