Take it as Red that Salah’ s staying on

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah refused to be drawn on his protracted contract negotiations, but insisted he will not be heading out of the club this summer.

With just over 12 months remaining on his contract, speculation will undoubtedly increase about the Egypt international’s future.

Saturday’s Champions League final opponents Real Madrid have missed out on signing Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe in recent weeks and Salah’s form over his five years at Anfield would make him a prime target for the LaLiga club as an alternative.

But while there still remains plenty of work to do for Liverpool to get a new deal for the 29-year-old over the line, they have some time as he has committed himself for another season at least.

Salah said: “I am staying next season for sure. I don’t focus on the contract. I don’t want to be selfish. I said that two months ago – it is about the team now.

“I am just focused with the team. I want the Champions League again. I want to see Hendo (captain Jordan Henderson) with the trophy again and hopefully he will give it to me after.”

Salah has mixed memories from his two Champions League final experiences, having been forced off with injury in his first in 2018 – when Liverpool lost 3-1 to Real Madrid – after a clash with Sergio Ramos damaged his shoulder and then winning a year later against Tottenham in Madrid. The forward admitted his experience in Kiev, when his dreams were shattered by injury, remains a difficult memory.

He has already spoken of a revenge mission against the Spanish club, with 2018 still in his mind.

“I remember when I went off, it was the worst moment in my career. I was really down at that time,” he added.

“We had a good season and came to Champions League final and then I went off.

“It was the worst thing to happen for a player.

“I knew the result from hospital. We couldn’t lose that way.

“I’m very motivated after what happened with Madrid last time. And after what happened on Sunday (missing out on the Premier League title by a single point), everyone is motivated to win the Champions League. Everybody is excited for it.”

While Salah’s deal will be top of the agenda once the final is over, he is not the only one whose contract expires in 2023.

Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, who make up Jurgen Klopp’s original famed forward line, in addition to midfielder Naby Keita and Alex OxladeChamberlain, also have deals entering their final 12 months.

Salah, Mane and Firmino will all be over 30 years old by the time next season starts.

The rejuvenation of Liverpool’s attacking options has already begun with the arrival of Diogo Jota in September 2020 and Luis Diaz in January.