A former Liverpool player has criticised the club for their stalled contract talks with star forward Mohamed Salah.
The Egypt international is one of three Reds out of contract this season, along with defenders Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk, all three of which are yet to sign new deals.
Reports suggest that discussions remain ongoing about a new contract for Salah, but with the Saudi Pro League ready to splash the cash for Liverpool’s no.11, one of their former players is urging them to act.
Dejan Lovren reveals Liverpool discussions with Mohamed Salah over contract saga
Dejan Lovren played for Liverpool from 2014 until 2020, racking up 185 appearances, and built up a strong friendship with Salah during his time at Anfield.
He’s revealed that he has spoken to his former team-mate about the contract saga, concluding that the club, “doesn’t respect” Salah enough.
Speaking to Win Win, Lovren said: “I have to be careful what I say now, because I know a lot of things. Honestly, I don’t know the exact numbers, but whatever he’s asking for, I think he deserves it. It’s simple, this guy is doing his job on the pitch.
“I can talk in more detail. Salah believes that there are things missing from the club side, and I hope they’ll be resolved soon. But the current reality is that he’s closer to leaving than staying.”
Lovren noted the point about Salah’s age in the debate, but believes that can be disregarded due to his strong physical and mental condition, and points to Cristiano Ronaldo as an example of what can be achieved by players far more senior than the Egyptian.
“In the end, I came to the conclusion that the club doesn't respect him enough,” Lovren continued. “At least not as much as they think they deserve, but that's another side of the story, it's all about what goes on behind the scenes.”
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On the likelihood of Salah leaving, transfer expert Ben Jacobs has recently revealed via GIVEMESPORT that Liverpool are open to releasing the forward from his contract, for free, a month early if renewal talks are unsuccessful, to allow him to join Al-Hilal before the Club World Cup starts.
Salah's contract expires on June 30, meaning that being released a month early from Anfield would see him depart the day before the Champions League final on May 31 – although FourFourTwo understands that this is in no way an option for either party.
Jacobs goes on to state that Liverpool are still optimistic they can come to an agreement with Salah over a new deal, but that a deal would be simple to conclude in Saudi thanks to the rapport between Salah and Saudi Pro League central deal maker Michael Emenalo from previous negotiations.
Salah is worth €55m at current market rates, according to Transfermarkt. Liverpool take on Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers this week when Premier League action returns.
