Liverpool director recommended NOT extending Mo Salah's Anfield contract

A former Liverpool director has admitted that he thought Mohamed Salah was NOT deserving of a new contract in 2022.

The Egyptian star has just a number of months remaining on his current deal at Anfield. Should a new contract not be signed, he would be free to leave for nothing come the end of the campaign.

It is not the first time that Salah has been at the heart of a row over his Liverpool future. He was also edging towards the end of his deal in 2022 but eventually penned a new three-year contract with the Reds.

Liverpool’s former Director of Research Ian Graham has since explained that he was going to suggest not giving Salah a new deal before the club performed a U-turn. Speaking at the Financial Times Business of Football summit, he said: "I helped with the work for the last contract extension which sees him through to this summer.

“And at the time, I went into that thinking, with players of this age, I'm going to recommend not extending his contract. But the strength of data forces you to take an objective viewpoint and sometimes you can surprise yourself.

"When players [like Salah] drop off, it tends to be a drop in minutes rather than a drop in quality. It's a question of physical fitness rather than their skills falling away.

"In summer 2022, I was surprised [the data showed] we should consider giving Salah a new contract. That was a hard piece of work and I am delighted I am not responsible for that piece of work today!"

Salah has recently dropped a fresh hint on his future as a Liverpool player and it appears to be the clearest clue yet that he could depart. Asked if there are any developments, he shook his head and said: "In a very polite way!"

What should Mo Salah do? Share your thoughts in the comments below

He added: "I want fans to remember that I gave it all to the fans, I gave it all to the city. I was here, I wasn't lazy, I just enjoyed my football and gave it all.

“I think that's what the city is about - they give you love and you have a connection with them because you give your all. I just want them to remember that I was here for eight years - and I gave it all.

"To be here for eight years is not something I take for granted. Playing at a top club like Liverpool, fighting for every trophy every year, is incredible. I feel like I’m in very good shape and trying to make sure that not only I improve but that the players around me are improving as well."

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