Mohamed Salah future: Liverpool 'set deadline' for new contract

The Egyptian may have started his eighth season at Anfield, but he remains an integral part of the Liverpool squad.

Salah has showcased his importance in the opening stages of the season, registering six goal contributions in the first three matches of the Arne Slot era.

The 32-year-old played a starring role in Sunday's commanding 3-0 win over Manchester United, netting a goal and providing two assists to maintain Liverpool's 100% start to the campaign.

While he may be on of the Premier League's best attackers, there is some doubt as to whether he will still be at Anfield beyond the end of the current season.

Salah has entered the final 12 months of his contract, leading to significant speculation about his next steps and whether he will extend his stay on Merseyside.

Liverpool set deadline for Salah contract

The Egypt international has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League ever since Liverpool rejected a mammoth £150m bid in the summer of 2023.

Salah suggested that this will be his "last season" at Anfield when he spoke to Sky Sports following the dominant win over Man United.

However, it has since been reported that Salah wants to extend his stay at the club beyond the end of the current season.

According to Football Insider, Liverpool are keen to make swift progress in contract negotiations and want the situation resolved before the January transfer window.

The report claims that the club's hierarchy will open contract negotiations in the near future as they look to reach an agreement by the end of the year.

Liverpool keen to avoid unwanted scenario

Liverpool are wary of letting the situation spill into the new year when Salah could start talking to other sides about a potential move.

As it stands, Salah will be able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside of England from January 1.

Two of Salah's teammates, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, will be able to speak to foreign clubs if they fail to agree new deals by the end of 2024.

Like Salah, Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold are both out of contract next summer, leading to uncertainty surrounding their respective futures with the club.