Liverpool are growing confident they will secure a new contract for their forward Mohamed Salah.
The update comes as the Reds also weigh their options at right-back, despite speculation surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future.
Salah, signed from Roma for a modest 36.9 million pounds in 2017, has cemented his legacy as one of Liverpool’s all-time greats. With 243 goals in 392 appearances, the Egyptian sits third in the club’s historical scoring charts, trailing only legends Ian Rush and Roger Hunt.
His haul includes 32 goals in 42 outings this season alone, a key factor in Liverpool’s push for a second Premier League title in five years, and a first under Arne Slot.
With Salah’s current deal, alongside those of Virgil van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold, set to expire in just over 100 days, the Reds have been working hard to avoid losing their star trio for free.
While rumours have swirled about Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool have long believed Salah wants to stay at Anfield.
Ornstein, writing in a Q&A for The Athletic, offered fresh hope for fans. “Liverpool have been optimistic for some time that they will reach an agreement,” he said.
“They want Salah to stay, and there’s a belief he’s happy and would like the same.” Although negotiations over a proposed two-year deal have been tricky, Ornstein added there’s “nothing to indicate talks have stopped or are not moving in a positive direction.”
The journalist also dismissed rumours of a move to the Saudi Pro League or PSG, noting “immediate and firm denials” from sources when such claims arise. Salah’s contentment off the pitch, with his wife and two daughters settled on Merseyside, further bolsters Liverpool’s case.
A new contract, likely boosting his current 350,000 pounds-a-week wages, would keep Salah at his peak for two more seasons while giving the Reds time to scout his eventual successor. At 33 this summer, he’d also have a shot at chasing Rush’s club-record 346 goals, a mark he could approach if he maintains his electric form.
Elsewhere, Ornstein provided clarity on Liverpool’s other contract sagas. On Van Dijk, linked with PSG, he said: “All parties are playing down (the move). Liverpool remain confident he will extend.” However, Alexander-Arnold’s departure looks increasingly likely, with the Reds unfazed about replacing him. “Is Conor Bradley not the heir apparent?” Ornstein asked, pointing to Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez as versatile cover.
Despite this, transfer expert Christian Falk has reported Liverpool are in regular talks with Bayer Leverkusen over Jeremie Frimpong, a dynamic right-back Slot views as a “number three” priority for the summer. Frimpong, also on Manchester United and Manchester City’s radar according to Fraser Fletcher, could yet force a rethink if Alexander-Arnold exits.
Meanwhile, on X, Salah posted cryptically after a game on March 20: “Still pushing, still believing,” fueling speculation about his commitment.
For now, Liverpool fans can dream of Salah terrorising defences for years to come, and perhaps a new face like Frimpong adding flair to the right flank.