Salah transfer looked on before Liverpool faced Crystal Palace after admission

09 December 2023 , 06:15

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Salah transfer looked on before Liverpool faced Crystal Palace after admission

Like when Liverpool were preparing to face Crystal Palace three years ago - Mo Salah will play at Selhurst Park with his future very much in the balance.

On December 19 2020, the Reds demolished their hosts 7-0 to go five points clear at the top of the Premier League, having been crowned champions the previous season. With no fans in attendance, Salah struck twice despite being heavily linked with Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona in the build-up to the game.

Indeed, just hours before kick-off, quotes from the Egyptian star emerged that implied his time on Merseyside could soon be ending. That's despite him by then surpassing 100 goals for Liverpool and contributing to their title win and 2019 Champions League success.

"I think Madrid and Barcelona are two top clubs. Who knows what will happen in the future," he told AS. "But right now I am focused on winning the Premier League and the Champions League with Liverpool again."

Pressed on how much longer he would remain a Liverpool player, Salah was vague with his answer, saying: "That's a tough question. But right now I can say that everything is in the hands of the club. Of course I want to break records here and, I repeat, all the club records, but everything is in the hands of the club."

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However, a move never materialised. And fast forward 36 months and Salah is now just one goal away from hitting 200 for the club, and appears very much dedicated to performing under Klopp despite intense interest from the Saudi Pro League last summer.

Mo Salah scores the seventh goal for Liverpool against Crystal Palace in 2020 (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

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Indeed, Klopp's own desire to remain at Anfield has no doubt contributed to Salah's own loyalty, having flourished under the German boss since moving from Roma in 2017. But while he remains a target for football authorities in the Middle East, the interest from both La Liga clubs has cooled.

Affording the 31-year-old became inconceivable for Barcelona, who less than a year later were forced to release Lionel Messi amid financial constraints. Real meanwhile, opted to focus on their still ongoing pursuit of Kylian Mbappe, and last summer opted to spend the majority of their budget on signing Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund.

Salah's obsession with chasing records also gives Liverpool fans hope that he will remain with the club for years to come. His total of 149 Premier League goals leaves him 11th on the all-timer list - and 36 away from overtaking Sergio Aguero as the top overseas scorer in the top-flight.

Fraser Watson