Liverpool rule out selling Mo Salah this summer—even if he doesn't sign a new contract

After months of speculation, Liverpool appear to have finally made a decision over the future of Mohamed Salah.

The Egyptian forward, whose current deal expires next July, has entered the final 12 months of his contract, and the club is working to persuade him to remain at Anfield beyond 2025.

Liverpool’s new sporting director, Richard Hughes, alongside Michael Edwards and Julian Ward, is tasked with securing the futures of key players, including Salah, captain Virgil van Dijk, and vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Speaking at the unveiling of new head coach Arne Slot on Friday, Hughes stressed that contract negotiations are "private matters" between the club and the players, but hinted that the 32-year-old would be staying this summer—even if he doesn't sign a new contract.

"We expect all three to be totally committed to Liverpool next season," Hughes stated, indirectly ruling out a summer sale for Salah.

Liverpool risk losing Salah on a free

Salah's potential departure on a free transfer next July, under the Bosman ruling, is a risk Liverpool appear willing to take, considering his significant value to the team.

This stance follows the rejection of a £150 million bid from Saudi club Al-Ittihad just before the transfer window closed last year. Although Al-Ittihad remain interested, no active negotiations are currently under way.

After eight players—Stefan Bajcetic, Conor Bradley, Jarell Quansah, Sepp van den Berg, Owen Beck, Curtis Jones, Caoimhin Kelleher and Kostas Tsimikas—reported to the AXA training ground for the start of pre-season on Friday, Salah was granted a slightly longer break after his involvement in Egypt's African World Cup qualification matches.

A quiet transfer window so far

Hughes, who joined Liverpool from Bournemouth at the end of last season, expressed confidence in working with Slot and praised the club’s current squad.

He acknowledged that while July might be relatively quiet in terms of transfer activity, there could be more movement as the transfer window progresses.

"It’s great to work with Arne," Hughes said. "Since our appointments, we’ve been in daily communication about logistics, organisation and preparing for the transfer window. We’re delighted to have inherited a very talented squad and are always looking to improve."

Liverpool’s strategy appears focused on maintaining stability and ensuring the commitment of their key players, as they look to build on their existing strengths and prepare for the challenges of the new season.