Liverpool manager Arne Slot has urged Mohamed Salah to reject Saudi Arabian interest and commit his future to Anfield, with the Egyptian star’s contract set to expire this summer.
Salah, 32, has been in outstanding form this season, leading the Premier League scoring charts with 19 goals.
The forward admitted in December he remained “far away” from reaching an agreement over a contract extension with Liverpool.
The situation has drawn increased attention after Saudi sports officials publicly expressed their desire to bring the prolific striker to the Saudi Pro League.
Arne Slot is desperate for Mohamed Salah to sign a new contract
PA
Saudi sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal confirmed his country’s interest in Salah during an interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored.
“Definitely, because if he ticks all the right boxes, even for us, we’d love to have him,” the minister said.
He emphasised the cultural connection, adding: “We feel like we are one with the Egyptians, from our culture and our history and so on.”
The Saudi Pro League had previously seen a £150million approach for Salah rejected in summer 2023, but remain determined to secure his signature.
Al-Hilal are particularly keen to recruit Salah ahead of the revamped FIFA Club World Cup this summer.
Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s match against Bournemouth, Slot made clear his desire for Salah to remain at the club.
“We want him to extend, of course,” said Slot. “That is clear but I am not surprised that Saudi wants him… I would not be surprised if other countries wanted him as well.”
The Dutch manager expressed confidence in Salah’s decision-making abilities.
Mohamed Salah is out of contract at the end of the season
Reuters
“He is old and wise enough and has done so many smart things in his career he will make the right decision for himself and hopefully for us as well,” Slot added.
He pointedly noted his advice would “be different to the one” suggested by the Saudi minister.
Liverpool also face uncertainty over the futures of captain Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who could both leave for free at the end of the season.
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Slot acknowledged discussions about their futures were taking place but remained tight-lipped on specifics.
“It would be ridiculous if in all these times I speak to them we have never spoken about the future,” said Slot.
However, the Liverpool manager insisted he would not discuss contract negotiations publicly.
“It’s a non-stop process talking to your players but it is also a non-stop process that I will not talk about it in public,” he added.