Liverpool are off to a flying start in the 2024-25 Premier League with three wins from three. The icing on the cake so far has been a convincing 3-0 win at Old Trafford where Arne Slot completely outclassed Erik ten Hag in the tactical department.
Mohamed Salah has again been at the forefront of leading Liverpool’s attack, having notched three goals and three assists in as many games this season. The Egyptian is in the last year of his contract and after starring in the win over rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford, he stated to Sky Sports that it was his last year at the club as currently there are no negotiations over a new contract.
Salah isn’t the only one in the last year of his contract at the Merseyside club. Club captain Virgil van Dijk is also in the last year of his contract with Liverpool and he could leave for free next season.
We sat down with former Liverpool star Jermaine Pennant who is of the opinion that the club must extend their contract. He even goes on to say that Salah is a player who should have statues in his honour around Anfield when he retires.
Liverpool must extend Salah and van Dijk’s contracts
Pennant, who played for Liverpool from 2006 to 2009 firmly believes that the club should extend the contracts of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. He points to the fact that the players haven’t declined physically, they’re still putting in great numbers and in van Dijk’s case, his status as captain warrants an extension.
“Liverpool have to extend the contracts of van Dijk and Salah. Just look at the physique and their sharpness. Salah looks like he’s in the best shape of his life at the moment. I would say Salah you have to extend. He’s been instrumental.
“Van Dijk, he’s your captain so you have to extend 100%.”
Salah is a Liverpool legend without a doubt
The former Reds star also sees the Egyptian forward as a club legend who can rub shoulders with the likes of Kenny Dalglish and Steven Gerrard.
“There isn’t a shadow of a doubt that Salah will be considered a Liverpool great. Up there with the likes of Gerrard and Dalglish. Look at what Dalglish and Stevie G have won and what Salah has won he should be up there. Stevie G didn’t win the league but you have to look at what he’s done and means to the club.”
Pennant adds that Salah has won everything possible with Liverpool and his status is such that he would have statues built in his honour.
“Salah has won everything that a player can win for a football club and his numbers are outrageous for Liverpool. Every season 20 plus goals, assists. To do that year in year out puts you amongst the elite already. I’m sure there will be statues for Mo Salah.”
