Liverpool needs to negotiate several major contracts, with Mohamed Salah’s being a top priority. The latest report from Saudi Arabia indicates a potential complication in these negotiations.

Liverpool undoubtedly needs to secure a new contract for Mohamed Salah this summer. Salah has confirmed he will remain at Anfield next season despite Jürgen Klopp’s departure, and he was the team’s top scorer last season.

Although there are concerns that Salah’s best years might be behind him, replacing even his recent ‘lesser’ performance levels would be nearly impossible. Additionally, after a summer break, there’s a good chance he could return refreshed and closer to his peak form.

With only a year left on his current contract, Liverpool shouldn’t consider selling him now or losing him for nothing next summer. Securing a contract extension for Salah should be a priority this offseason, alongside renewals for Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk.

Negotiating with Salah has been challenging in the past, and with the possibility of leaving for free next season, he holds significant leverage.

According to The Telegraph, Saudi Arabian clubs are willing to wait until Salah’s contract expires in 2025 to sign him for free, making this a plausible option. With only a year left on his contract, this scenario was almost bound to come up.

This complicates things for Liverpool, adding another layer to the negotiations. Salah’s representatives can use this as leverage, pointing to it as a viable option.

When new sporting director Richard Hughes and new manager Arne Slot officially take their positions this summer, securing new contracts will be crucial. Salah, Alexander-Arnold, and Van Dijk will all be entering the final year of their contracts, making this a pressing issue.

Salah likely wants to stay at the top level for as long as possible, and with Liverpool set to return to the Champions League next season, it’s clear this aligns with his goals. By the end of his current contract, Salah will only be 33, making a move to Saudi Arabia seem premature for a player still capable of scoring 25-plus goals per season.

A move to Real Madrid might be off the table as they focus on younger talent like Kylian Mbappé, while Barcelona probably can’t afford Salah, and PSG and Ligue 1 might not be as appealing.

Liverpool knows that the best place for Salah is at Anfield now and likely beyond his current deal. However, Salah knows that the threat of moving to Saudi Arabia for free is in his favor.

As Liverpool’s new management structure begins to operate, resolving Salah’s contract situation must be a top priority. Although Salah will stay next season, securing him on reasonable wages for the future is essential.