Former Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren has suggested that Mohamed Salah is more likely to leave the club than sign a new contract as he is not respected enough by the Merseyside giants.
Salah has earned legendary status at Anfield where he has recorded 237 goals and 106 assists in 383 appearances, winning seven trophies including the Premier League and Champions League.
Liverpool's fourth-highest goalscorer of all time has been Arne Slot's go-to man in attack this season, with the Egyptian king scoring a division-high 21 goals and registering 13 assists in 23 Premier League appearances to fire the Reds six points clear at the top of the table.
However, speculation over Salah's future on Merseyside remains rife, with the Saudi Pro League-linked 32-year-old due to see his current contract expire in less than five months' time.
It is understood that the main issues in negotiations between Salah's entourage and Liverpool are around financial aspects and differences over the length of his proposed new deal.
Aware that Saudi Pro League clubs will be prepared to meet Salah's demands, Liverpool should give the attacker what he wants, especially when he still remains in prime physical condition, according to Lovren.
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'The current reality is that Salah is closer to leaving than staying'
"We are still in touch. We talk every now and then, yes," Lovren told Saudi-based outlet WinWin. "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.
"Don't look at his age, some will say he'll be 33, but look at [Cristiano] Ronaldo, he's 40 and still playing. Mohamed Salah is still scoring goals, he's in great physical and mental shape. He's still playing for the national team, so what's the problem? He's seven or eight years younger [than Ronaldo], so what's the problem with Salah? Nobody can find an answer, that's why I find it difficult.
"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.
"Everyone wants him to stay, and I personally want him to stay. I called him one day and said: 'Mo, you have to think about yourself. Look at everything you've given this club and what you can still give.'
"In the end, I came to the conclusion that the club doesn't respect him enough, or 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.
"Everyone can agree when they look at the numbers, there is no player who has the statistics like Mohamed Salah, not only this season, but over the last five to six seasons in a row, they are not just amazing numbers, they are crazy.
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Salah "loves Liverpool", but is Saudi switch on the cards?
"I think he does not get enough attention despite these numbers, because if it was [Lionel] Messi or Ronaldo, we would see talk every day about why his contract was not renewed and why the right offer was not made to him, but unfortunately, I think Mohamed Salah does not get this attention."
Lovren, who currently plays for Greek side PAOK, believes that Salah does want to stay at Liverpool, but a move to the Saudi Pro League could materialise soon if the attacker does not agree a new deal.
"He loves Liverpool, by the way, he loves Liverpool a lot," the 35-year-old defender added. "And he wants to stay, and that's the most important part. Maybe he sees himself retiring there, I'm not entirely sure about that, but in the end it's not about those around him, it's about other people.
"If he leaves, yes, why not? As you know, the Saudi league is starting to become more competitive. I think if Mo goes there, he will be one of the biggest stars, and it will be a huge marketing boom for the league, and he will definitely attract some fans with him, so let's wait and see what happens."
Salah is currently focused on representing Liverpool in their next Premier League match away against Merseyside rivals Everton at Goodison Park on Wednesday night, with the Reds seeking to move nine points clear at the summit.
Oliver Thomas
