'He's made his mind up' - Ex-Liverpool boss admits Salah exit fears

Mohamed Salah’s contract situation has been a thorn in the side of a fantastic start to Liverpool’s season. 

The 32-year-old, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold only have one year left on their current deals and fans are urging the board to settle these issues as soon as possible, so Arne Slot's impressive Reds can continue the campaign without these troubling distractions.

As the situation rumbles on, Liverpool legend and former manager Graeme Souness has offered a nerve-wracking insight into Salah’s future. 

Read more: Liverpool on the verge of confirming new signing despite transfer window being shut

Speaking on talkSPORT, Souness declared that he believes Salah has already decided what his next move will be. 

“I actually think he's made his mind up. At the end of this year, I think there's two more years left of him, maybe not exactly the same qualities as we're getting at the moment, but you would want him in your team. But yeah, I think he's made his mind up.”

The ex-midfielder continued: “I don't know what he's going to do. He’s from Egypt, I would imagine he’s had several offers to go to Saudi. I'm sure he's got more money than he will ever need but the chance to go to Saudi and fill his pockets with untold wealth may be really attractive to him and he's going to go somewhere where he speaks his mother tongue.”

Such comments from Souness will no doubt worry Liverpool fans. The fact Salah has already been tempted by moves to the Saudi league both for money and lifestyle purposes could influence his decision about where he sees his long-term future.

SALAH IS ON FIRE

Liverpool fans will be desperate for him to stay, and the Anfield board need to act urgently if they also want to keep him. Souness agrees with this notion, saying it would surprise him if the club hasn't approached him yet.

“He's such an integral part of the team and he's a go-to man for goals in the tight games. There's no getting away from it, he is absolutely on fire, he's been a great player for them.”

Liverpool may be concerned that Salah is now 32, if they are reluctant to offer a long-term contract to an ageing player. The signing of Federico Chiesa this summer could be a replacement strategy but Souness sees age as just a number.

“I think at 32, you look at Mo Salah and when you see him take his top off, he's completely ripped! You could imagine he more than looks after himself in every aspect of being a professional footballer.”

Read more: Liverpool youngster earns rave reviews on loan debut 

Salah has always been the model professional, and even though he may be growing past his prime, he is still showing evidence that he is the best winger in the Premier League.

Souness concluded: “I would imagine there’s life in him. You’ll get another Mo Salah like the one you’ve got now for the next two years beyond this year.”

Salah has already cemented his position as a cult hero in Liverpool history. But even after seven years at the club, Liverpool fans are still hungry to see what else he can produce and are praying he puts pen to paper for a new deal.