Mohamed Salah makes Liverpool return after contract decision

Mohamed Salah is back at Liverpool today (Wednesday), just days after it became clear that he will not be sold this summer despite his contract situation.

The Egyptian international has entered the final 12 months of his deal at Anfield and there has been plenty of speculation linking him with an exit as Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ittihad remain interest after seeing a massive £150million bid rejected last summer.

It's understood that Liverpool are working to persuade Salah to remain on Merseyside beyond 2025. Although, it should be noted that they risk losing the 32-year-old for free next summer should they fail to get the forward to sign fresh terms.

However, despite the threat of Salah leaving on a free transfer, new Liverpool sporting director, Richard Hughes - who alongside Michael Edwards and Julian Ward are also tasked with securing the futures of Virgil van Dijk, and vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold - has dropped the clearest hint yet that the Reds' No.11 will not be sold.

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

This stance, of course, will be music to the ears of new Liverpool head coach Arne Slot who can plan for the 2024-25 season in the knowledge that one of the most prolific forwards in Europe is staying put.

In fact, the Dutchman will get to move on to the next phase of the club's pre-season preparations by welcoming Salah and experienced midfielder Wataru Endo into the fold.

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— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 10, 2024

Salah return date confirmed

As confirmed by the club, the aforementioned duo were due back at the club's training base this morning for testing and are expected to join in pre-season training with their teammates later in the week.

"Wataru Endo and Mohamed Salah are set to begin pre-season training at the AXA Training Centre on Wednesday," a statement reads.

"The duo will report tomorrow morning to begin work ahead of 2024-25 alongside those who got preparations under way last Friday under Arne Slot.

"Endo and Salah will undergo testing before linking up with their teammates later in the week for training."

Liverpool face Real Betis, Arsenal and Manchester United as part of their USA tour before facing Sevilla in their final pre-season fixture ahead of the Premier League opener away at newly-promoted Ipswich Town on August 17.