A Premier League manager has claimed that Liverpool's Mohamed Salah would not perform at the “same level” if he was in his team.
Salah, 32, is in fine form, having registered 21 goals and 17 assists in his 27 appearances this season.
However, his current Liverpool contract is set to expire in June 2025, and he is able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs now that the transfer window is open.
And in recent months, the Egyptian has been fairly vocal about his situation.
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In November, following Liverpool’s 3-2 Premier League win against Southampton, Salah discussed his future with reporters gathered outside St Mary’s and explained he was “probably more out than in”.
He also revealed how he had not received a contract offer from the club.
Speaking to Sky Sports last week, Salah provided an update on the situation.
“The thing in my head is that, if this is the last six months, what do you want to see in the future?” said Salah.
“Do you want to look back and say I was concerned or stressed about the contract? Or do you just want to say I had an unbelievable season? That’s what is in my head.
“If I ever feel distraction, I just remind myself I want to look back and say I had an unbelievable season. That’s what I want to do.”
“There’s nothing, we’re far away from any progress, so we just need to wait and see,” he added.
This evening, Salah will likely start Liverpool’s League Cup clash with Spurs at the Tottenham Stadium.
And despite his impressive performances this term, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou believes that Salah would not perform at the “same level” if we were part of Tottenham’s side.
"It's been unbelievable how [Sonny] has been able to maintain that level of consistent performance," Postecoglou said in a press conference on Tuesday.
"I know everyone is focusing on it now but even last year his season was incredible for us.
"People need to have a little bit of context. Mo is a world-class player but if you put him in our team now I'm not sure he'll have that same level of performance because of the situation we're in as a group.
“As an attacking player, what do you need? You need a team that's kind of in good form creating opportunities, playing on the front foot, having a really solid foundation of a defence that is cohesive."
"Mo is an unbelievable player but he’s playing in a fantastic team that are flying at the moment," he added.
"I’d hazard to say that if you put Sonny in Liverpool’s team, I reckon his goalscoring return would be decent."
Topics: Champions League, Liverpool, Mohamed Salah, Premier League, Transfers, Tottenham Hotspur, Carabao Cup
Luke Davies