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Former Liverpool goalkeeper David James believes it is possible that Mohamed Salah could be sold before too long, despite the Egyptian having signed a new contract earlier this year.
Salah is in the midst of one of his most difficult periods at the club, with both him and the Reds in general enduring a disappointing start to the season. His tally of five goals and three assists is a far cry from the sort of form he produced last season as Liverpool won the Premier League title.
His struggles have seen his position in the side come under question - a situation that would have been unthinkable just months ago when he was handed a new two-year contract.
Just a few months into that new deal, speculation that Liverpool could be eyeing up his long-term replacement is growing, with Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo being strongly linked.
And rumors surrounding a potential move to Saudi Arabia have followed Salah for some time, and even after committing his future to Liverpool just a matter of months ago, James can see a situation where the Reds decide to cash in.
“Liverpool didn't have to sign Mo Salah and Mo Salah didn't have to sign for Liverpool,” James told Goal.
“I mean, in the end, the deal that he signed would have been right for both parties. And I think if there came a time, and I know Liverpool aren't unique in this, but most of the reasoning behind signing players will be the numbers they're producing.
“So you could envisage a situation where Mo's numbers aren't what Liverpool need. And if there were a potential suitor somewhere else, then I'm sure with conversation, because Mo does have a say in it, that Liverpool would be willing to let him go.
“Under contract, I don't think I could see a situation where Mo's going to hang around just to get paid. I think there would be a situation where, through conversation because I know the dialogue with Liverpool is always really good, that the two parties would sit down and discuss the future.
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“However, if Mo starts doing what Liverpool would like him to do and Mo I'm sure would like to do and starts scoring loads of goals, then their hand could be forced by a potential suitor, because whatever club is interested, Saudi logically as they're the ones with the money, they may make an offer that Liverpool can't refuse.”
Liverpool.com says: There will be a conversation to be had if Salah can't rediscover his form this season. If a replacement can be found, then it's not out of the question that a sale might suit both parties.
That's not to say Liverpool made a mistake by giving him a new contract. It was the right call at the time, and the two-year deal gives the club some room to maneuver should a decent offer come in next summer. In the meantime, you wouldn't be at all surprised if Salah hits form again, and all this talk is put to bed.
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