EPL: Salah told he could still be sold despite new contract

Mohamed Salah’s long-term future at Liverpool remains open to interpretation, according to former Reds goalkeeper David James, who believes a transfer cannot be ruled out despite the Egyptian signing a new deal until 2027.

Salah’s form has faced criticism this season, and interest from the Saudi Pro League persists.

While Liverpool expect their four-time Golden Boot winner, who has scored 250 goals for the club, to regain his edge in the 2025-26 campaign, external pressure could still influence future decisions.

Saudi interest still a major variable

James told GOAL that a potential exit remains feasible if Salah’s numbers drop below Liverpool’s expectations or if a sizeable offer arrives.

He stressed that both club and player would approach any decision collaboratively, noting that Salah would not remain simply to earn out his contract.

He added that an exceptional bid from Saudi Arabia, the most likely source of significant financial packages, could force Liverpool to reconsider their stance, regardless of the Egyptian’s importance to the squad.

Succession planning already underway

James also suggested that Liverpool will have contingency plans in place, should the move materialize. He referenced the need for a ready-made successor as part of Liverpool’s long-term strategy.

Despite being 33, Salah’s fitness levels remain elite. James pointed to examples like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to argue that the forward still has several strong years left.

Enhanced opposition pace, he said, is a more realistic factor than any decline in Salah’s physical capability.

While Salah is expected to see out his contract and complete a decade at Anfield, James maintains that Liverpool would still command a substantial fee if they choose to cash in during the next transfer windows.