Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah has addressed the rumours linking him to Barcelona while issuing an update on his contract situation at the club.
Speaking on Egyptian broadcaster MBC Masr TV, as relayed by the Mirror, Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah has claimed that it makes him happy that a club of Barcelona’s stature are showing an interest in signing him.
The 29-year-old joined Liverpool in the summer of 2017 and has since become one of the best attackers in the game. Salah played an integral role in the Reds winning the UEFA Champions League in 2018/19 and the Premier League title in 2019/20 – their first league crown in over thirty years.
Clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona have constantly been linked with the Egyptian superstar, which is only natural considering what he has achieved during his time at Anfield. Of late, the Catalan giants, in particular, seem to have shown a strong interest in signing the ex-AS Roma attacker, as new manager Xavi Hernandez looks to bolster his attacking options.
Salah has responded to those speculations saying: “I read what was said about Xavi’s interest to sign me. This is something that makes me happy that a team like Barcelona is interested in me, but I’m happy in Liverpool and we will see what happens in the future. At the moment, I prefer to stay in the Premier League as it’s the strongest league in the world.”
Mohamed Salah: The best player in the best league in the world? ? pic.twitter.com/T7n21BTmib
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Salah has been in terrific form in the new season and was crucial to Liverpool securing a last-gasp win over Wolves this weekend. The 29-year-old, who assisted Divock Origi for the stoppage-time winner, also gave an update on his contract situation during the post-match interview.
Salah’s current deal with Liverpool expires in 2023, and he has claimed that he would like to sign an extension but insisted that the club needs to show how much they value him before he pens a new deal. “I said it several times, if the decision is up to me, I want to stay in Liverpool. But the decision is in the hands of the management and they have to solve this issue,” he said.
“There is no problem but we have to reach an agreement for the contract. It’s up to them. Your financial value shows how much the club appreciates you and that they are ready to do anything for you to stay, but the decision itself is not based on those financial matters only.
“There are things like the ambition of the team and the coach and what he wants to do with the team and the players he wants. These are all important points when making the decision,” Salah added.
Salah has scored 19 goals in all competitions this season and has registered nine assists. Given his importance to the side, Liverpool would do well to secure his future by handing him a new deal at the earliest.
