Mohamed Salah: What does the future hold?

Salah may have committed to Liverpool for another year at least but the superstar needs to bounce back from disappointments for the Reds and Egypt in 2022.

The Pharaohs were beaten by Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations final and failed to qualify for the World Cup after another defeat on penalties to the Lions of Teranga.

There was more ill fortune for Salah with Liverpool who lost another Champions League final against Real Madrid and lost the Premier League title to Manchester City on the final day.

There was plenty of individual success for Salah who claimed his third Golden Boot since joining Liverpool, leaving him only one behind Thierry Henry’s haul of four, after scoring 23 times in 35 appearances.

He also claimed the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award, was included in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year and won the Playmaker of the Season award after racking up more assists than every player in the top-flight.

Having said that, despite Liverpool’s domestic cup success in the League Cup and FA Cup, the wide attacker endured some damaging losses in the league and Champions League, putting paid to the Reds’ hope of a quadruple.

It was equally sad for Salah with the national team.

Salah committing to Liverpool for another season has not ended speculation about his future. With Jurgen Klopp’s team already losing Sadio Mane to Bayern Munich, they are unlikely to lose both world-class forwards in one window.

Recent reports have indicated that the Egyptian would prefer a Premier League stay if a new deal cannot be agreed with his current side. Manchester City, Manchester United and former side Chelsea could come into the equation in such a scenario.

However, the forward had previously stated he could not foresee joining another English top-flight side, so it remains to be seen if the ex-Blue has a change of heart.

Liverpool also hope a compromise can be made where Salah could sign a two-year extension at a higher wage, which would at least enable them to get a price for him instead of losing him for free. This means Salah holds the cards because, in a year, he could walk out for free to any club that can afford the ideal wages he wants.

Despite all of Liverpool’s growth since Klopp signed Salah in 2017, the Reds have claimed only one league title and one European crown.

Salah’s goalscoring has continued through those campaigns making him a club legend in that time.

With only 12 months left to run on his current deal, supporters will wish for the player and club to reach an agreement to continue what has been an amazing story in the last five years.

While some observers will raise eyebrows about the player’s age and potential significant wage increase, both parties meeting halfway will be just what the doctor ordered.

Away from club football, a huge disappointment for Salah next term would be missing out on the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations to be held in Ivory Coast.

Admittedly, Egypt’s fourth place position does not look fatal when you consider all four teams in Group B are level on three points, missing out on the finals would be a disaster for the player who desires an African title to seal his status as one of the continent’s finest players.

Having lost two deciders in his career, Salah is undoubtedly motivated to claim the title. Not participating altogether robs him of that opportunity.

Last year’s Golden Boot success saw Salah outdo Didier Drogba as Africa’s finest in that regard and we are backing him to match Henry’s record in the forthcoming campaign.

The Egyptian has been a goal machine for the Reds since joining from Roma five years back and is likely to continue to be the team’s most important player in 22/23.

Despite the contract stand-off, GOAL believes the Liverpool man will end the campaign as top goalscorer for the fourth time in six years.