Former Liverpool goalkeeper David James has told the Reds not to increase their offer to Mohamed Salah despite the end of his current deal edging into view.
The Egyptian sees his current deal expire next summer and as of right now, there is no sign of an extended stay on Merseyside. Whilst Salah’s exit would be a blow for the Reds, their anguish could potentially be even worse, with fellow-forward Sadio Mane also heading into the final 12 months of his stay at Anfield.
Despite that, James has suggested that the Reds should not go all out to find an agreement with Salah, whilst also claiming that it is looking more likely that Mane could be set to depart the club.
Speaking with GOAL, the former England stopper said: “As a Liverpool fan you want them to stay. You want your best players to stay and they have proved themselves as two of Liverpool’s best players.
“I would suggest that the Liverpool model and recruitment strategy is that they anticipate the players being there at the same time as anticipating them not being there. With the latter, they will anticipate the next acquisition – like [Luis] Diaz coming in during January. They will already have something in place, then you have to look at the individuals.
“I think the fact that Salah hasn’t signed the contract that has been offered, I don’t think he should or would get a better offer because Liverpool will have that as part of their model. Then it is down to the player.
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“Of the two, I think Mane is more suitable to go, having achieved everything. He has won all the domestic trophies with Liverpool, he’s won the Africa Cup of Nations. His stock as an individual is – he could win the Champions League this weekend – I don’t think his stock can get any higher. You can’t begrudge any player for taking advantage of that.”
The pair have enjoyed profitable campaigns throughout 2021/22 with Liverpool. Salah was named the FWA Football of the Year after hitting 31 goals in all competitions, whilst also having won the Premier League golden boot. Salah has since confirmed he will be staying put at Liverpool for at least next season.
Meanwhile, Mane has found the net on 23 occasions throughout the campaign, whilst playing a key role in the club’s FA Cup and Carabao Cup successes. As it stands, he appears the most likely to wave goodbye, with Bayern Munich reportedly admirers ahead of the summer transfer window, while the forward has delayed speaking out on his future until after the Champions League final.
Regardless of Salah or Mane’s future, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will be hoping that the pair are at top form on Saturday evening as they prepare to take on Real Madrid in the final at the Stade de France.
