Liverpool make Mohamed Salah decision amid concerns over contract situation

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has insisted that Mohamed Salah will not be sold this summer despite concerns that he could leave on a free transfer next year.

Hughes recently left his role as technical director at Bournemouth to become Liverpool's new sporting director ahead of the 2024-25 season.

The 44-year-old will work with Fenway Sports Group's Michael Edwards and Julian Ward as well as new Liverpool boss Arne Slot.

Not only will Hughes be looking to strengthen the squad, but he will also be keen to secure the future of some of Liverpool's established stars.

Salah is among those who faces an uncertain future, with his Liverpool contract set to expire at the end of next season.

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Hughes addresses Salah future

The Reds turned down a £150m bid for Salah from Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad in the closing stages of last summer's transfer window.

Al-Ittihad continue to be linked with a move, but Hughes has indicated that Salah will not be sold this summer despite having less than 12 months remaining on his contract.

However, the sporting director was reluctant to discuss the futures of Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, with the latter two out of contract in June 2025.

Speaking at the official unveiling of Slot, Hughes said: "On contractual situations, I don't think it would be fair for me to talk about these.

"These are private matters between club and players. The only concern I and Arne have about situations is total commitment from the players to the cause for next season and we're absolutely convinced that will be the case."

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Liverpool keen to keep talismanic forward

With Liverpool keen to retain Salah's services, they are seemingly willing to run the risk that he could leave on a free transfer if they are unable to agree a new contract.

However, they are reluctant to cash in on Salah this summer, with the Egyptian still regarded as a key player at Anfield.

Salah made 44 competitive appearances during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring 25 goals and providing 14 assists for the Merseyside club.

In total, he has registered 211 goals and 89 assists in 349 matches since joining Liverpool from Roma in the summer of 2017.