Speaking on the Match of the Day Top 10 Podcast, Micah Richards has been discussing Mohamed Salah and his contract situation.
The Egyptian is entering the final year of his contract and the Reds have a big decision to make on the winger’s future.
Salah has made it no secret that he would like to stay at Liverpool, but, as you can imagine, he wants big money.
With Salah entering his 30s, there are, of course, concerns about a potential decline in the coming years, but according to Richards, Salah can keep up his form well into his 30s in the same way Cristiano Ronaldo has.
What’s been said?
Richards spoke about Salah.
“It’s imperative that Liverpool sign his contract. I know they have Diaz who is quality, Firmino and Jota. I’m not one to say just give him what he wants, but they have to. Because he can score at any moment,” Richards said.
“How old is Salah now? He’s 30? so there is a decision to make on your wage structure,” Lineker stated.
“Yeah, but look at Ronaldo, he’s still scoring hat-tricks and what is he? 37. If you sign him up at 30 he could do it for another four years, definitely,” Richards said.
Risk
It’s all well and good to point towards Cristiano Ronaldo as an example, but the reality is that the Portuguese star is the exception, not the rule.
The sad reality is that for every Ronaldo there are multiple players who decline in their early 30s, look at Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen, Alexis Sanchez and even former Liverpool star Fernando Torres.
Salah’s form this season certainly merits big money, but there are no guarantees that he will be the same player in two or three years’ time.
Liverpool’s decision is a tough one to make.
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