Jurgen Klopp believes Liverpool star can surpass Mohamed Salah achievement

Jurgen Klopp has praised Mohamed Salah as an all-time Liverpool great ahead of his summer exit and backed Hugo Ekitike to potentially surpass the Egyptian's goalscoring record

Jurgen Klopp believes Hugo Ekitike could become an Anfield legend(Image: Getty Images)

Jurgen Klopp has hinted that Hugo Ekitike might outdo Mohamed Salah's Liverpool goal record if he stays put for the next 10 years.

The Egyptian confirmed this week that he would be departing Anfield in the summer, with both parties agreeing to terminate his contract, which had a year left, by mutual consent. Despite experiencing his worst season ever for Liverpool, accolades have been flowing in recognition of his achievements.

Salah set a then-record for goals in a Premier League season in his debut year and has remained a consistent scorer, securing the Golden Boot four times as well as being named the PFA Player of the Year three times.

Salah is the third-highest scorer in Liverpool's history, surpassing the likes of Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen.

His tally of 255 puts him only behind Roger Hunt (285) and Ian Rush (346) — but Klopp has suggested that this year's top scorer Ekitike could potentially surpass him.

The Frenchman has made an immediate impact since joining from Frankfurt and has netted 17 times so far.

Hugo Ekitike is enjoying a good first season at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

He would need to score 25 times a year for the next decade if he were to overtake Salah, which Klopp admitted would be a significant challenge.

The German shared with The Anfield Wrap: "I hope he [Salah] can have a successful rest of the season.

"We texted actually last night, I really hope he enjoys the rest of the season, but I know Mo can only enjoy it if you win football matches, and he scores. Where he came from, what he went through, and what he gave us... incredible.

"In the moment, when you work with him, the bigger view, it's ridiculous, just ridiculous, unmatched numbers, we may sit here in 10 years, maybe Ekitike [will break his record], but it will be difficult.

"One of the all-time greats, definitely, will leave the club in the summer, and let's see where he will show up next."

Klopp also addressed a rumor that previously suggested he wanted to sign Julian Brandt from Borussia Dortmund, not Salah, in the summer of 2017.

The Reds would ultimately secure the Egyptian from Roma.

He said: "This is the situation, with that when you go for a winger you talk to seven or eight, and yes, we spoke to Julian Brandt but we spoke to Mo Salah, it's not he [Brandt] didn't want it so we took him [Salah], whatever people think I don't care, but in the moment we were 100 percent convinced he was the one."