Mo Salah to leave Liverpool? Ex-Reds star reveals fresh doubts over ‘unbelievable’ Egyptian’s future at Anfield after being ‘convinced’ that 241-goal icon would sign new contract

After eight memorable seasons at Anfield, talismanic forward Salah appears to be taking in a long goodbye on Merseyside. His contract is running down towards free agency, with hints being dropped at readying himself for a new challenge in 2025.

Salah has hit 241 goals for Liverpool through 387 appearances, breaking countless records along the way while helping to secure Premier League and Champions League titles. A loyal fan base had been hoping to see their hero commit to fresh terms by now.

Former Reds defender Riise, speaking in association with BetMGM, told GOAL when asked if he is surprised that Liverpool have allowed this situation to materialise – with a £100 million ($126m) asset potentially walking away for nothing: “I’m not sure how much they have done behind the scenes, maybe trying to negotiate with his agent. There are different sides that Mo Salah is saying something and somebody else is saying something else. It’s really hard to understand what has really happened.

“It’s a shame that kind of thing comes out in the press because it looks like they haven’t spoken at all. I can’t believe that is the case. He is an unbelievable player and now he’s in a position where he could just walk away. That’s a position that nobody wants their best players to be in.”

Riise was convinced that Salah would sign a new deal at one stage, but concedes that he now appears destined to join Cristiano Ronaldo and Co in the Saudi Pro League – with a move to another European club, which could see him line up against Liverpool, being ruled out.

Norwegian full-back Riise added: “If he is to leave Liverpool, I’m quite sure he goes to Saudi. He has been around Europe, been at Chelsea and in Italy, he has done his part in Europe so if he decides to leave Liverpool, I think it’s quite clear that he will go to Saudi. I’m trying to see where we are at. It’s a difficult one. I was quite convinced that he was going to sign a few weeks ago, but it takes so much time that now I’m not sure.”

Getty Images

Liverpool will not be throwing in the towel just yet, with there still time in which to reach an agreement with Salah and his representatives. They do, however, have to plan for every eventuality, which means identifying possible replacements for their Egyptian king ahead of the summer transfer window.

John Arne Riise was speaking on behalf of BetMGM. Play the £1million Golden Goals game this season by correctly predicting Premier League scores. BeGambleAware |18+