Mohamed Salah is edging closer to penning a new long-term contract with Liverpool, but his recent poor form in the Premier League has seen some doubts arise over the Egyptian.
The attacker has scored just one goal in his last six games in all competitions, playing 90 minutes in only one of those outings. Despite that drop off in form, Liverpool are pressing ahead with contract talks and are set to make a breakthrough.
Negotiations have been taking place for much of the season and only now appear to have reached a conclusion that will see Salah stay at Anfield. And the 29-year-old can add to the good news on Sunday if he is able to inspire the Reds to a win over Manchester City.
Jurgen Klopp's side travel to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday for one of the most anticipated games in recent Premier League history. Liverpool can only leapfrog their opponents into top spot if they claim all three points.
Crucial to them securing a famous win will be Salah, who remains the division's top scorer despite his recent downturn in front of goal. He was subbed off in the win over Benfica in midweek, a hint that he suggested he will keep his place in Klopp's starting line-up.
Salah will go into the game on the back of having his expected new contract questioned in some quarters. Arsene Wenger was one of those who stated his belief that Salah's age and the money that Liverpool will pay him could create problems in the long run.
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"It sorts one problem out and creates another one straight away. He earns so much. You’re sometimes in this position. You have to do the maximum to keep this player knowing that other players are not far from him, but there is not enough money anymore to satisfy them because you’ve spent too much on this one," Wenger told beIN Sports on Tuesday.
"He [Salah] has had an exceptional season and since he’s come to Liverpool, every year he’s been better. He deserves his contract. The only thing is that once they are 30 years old, it’s always how long do you sign then because you know the best paid is already over their peak."
Though Wenger has raised doubts about the decision to hand him a new contract, Salah has the perfect chance to shake them off this Sunday. An inspiring performance at the Etihad will cement his reputation as one of the best players in the Premier League.
Leading Liverpool to a win and to the top of the league in the process will see Wenger and Salah's other doubters proved totally wrong. Such a statement performance will show that he fully deserves the bumper pay rise that will surely come with his new contract.
So while all the focus is one Klopp's battle with Guardiola and who goes top of the league, Salah has a different kind of motivation to put his poor form behind him. There would not be a better time than Sunday's game for Salah to rediscover his form in front of goal as the announcement of his new contract approaches.
