Time is ticking for Liverpool to agree on a contract extension with Mohamed Salah.
The Egyptian forward’s ongoing contract saga has overshadowed what has been a stunning first season for new boss Arne Slot so far.
Top of the Premier League table, into the last 16 of the Champions League, with a cup final against Newcastle United to come next month, it’s been quite the introduction to life at Liverpool for Slot.
One of the driving forces behind Liverpool’s form this season has been the performances of Salah, who has looked back to his best for the Reds this term.
Heading into the second half of the campaign, Salah boasts a whopping 26 goals and 18 assists across all competitions, with Liverpool fans demanding owners FSG match his contract demands to avoid him leaving on a free transfer.
But according to former Liverpool team-mate Dejan Lovren, the Liverpool ace is “closer to leaving” than putting pen to paper on fresh Anfield terms.
Speaking to Win Win, the centre-back said: “Yes, I think he is closer to leaving than staying at the moment. That’s my feeling about the situation.
“I hope things change because, honestly, I wish him the best. But in the end, yes, money is an important factor, but he deserves more than just money.
“The question is: who will replace him? How will you find a replacement for him? How can you compensate for his absence?”
Replacing Salah’s goal and assist contributions will no doubt prove a thankless task, given Liverpool are unlikely to find a player capable of stepping into his shoes, should the ex-Chelsea ace depart in the summer.
On the potential task of trying to replace Salah, Lovren added: “That’s the first question I would ask the club’s management: ‘Who will replace him? Who will give you what Mohamed Salah gives you? Who will provide you with the stats and numbers that he delivers?’
“Well, you can replace him. If you want to replace him, I think you need to spend €200 million on a player who can offer what Mohamed Salah does. But even with that amount being spent and the high salary, will he deliver what Salah delivers?”
Salah is currently free to discuss a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside of England, with his current deal set to expire on 30 June.
He and his Liverpool team-mates will return to action in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday night.
