Mohamed Salah’s new Liverpool contract has come under scrutiny as the Egyptian forward continues to struggle in front of goal during a miserable start to the season.
The 33-year-old has scored just three league goals this term, with the Reds’ title defence falling apart under Arne Slot. Wednesday’s 3-0 EFL Cup defeat to Crystal Palace. Liverpool’s sixth loss in seven matches has only intensified pressure on the team and its star player.
Salah was left out of the squad for that clash as Slot named an inexperienced side that failed to deliver. The result leaves Liverpool seven points adrift of league leaders Arsenal and out of a domestic cup competition.
While Salah has been linked with a move to Egyptian giants Al-Ahly, former club director Sayed Abdel Hafeez has dismissed the rumours.
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“Mohamed Salah is a very big star and has done things that are difficult for any player in the Arab world to do. He’s focusing on his professional career,” Hafeez said. “There is no official at Al-Ahly who talked about this matter. It was only circulated in the media.”
He added: “Salah renewed his contract with Liverpool months ago. We will focus on the team’s priorities. I wish Salah success.”
Meanwhile, former Chelsea striker and Sky Sports pundit Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes Salah’s influence at Anfield has waned.
“You have Salah, who is sulking a little bit — because he’s not playing well and also not really the main man anymore,” Hasselbaink said. “Players like Ekitike have come in and are looking for their own opportunities. The whole concept is not right at the moment, and Slot is struggling with that.”
Liverpool return to Premier League action against Aston Villa this weekend, with Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo all expected to return to the starting lineup as Slot seeks to steady the ship.
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