26 January 2024 , 11:47
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Jurgen Klopp was adamant Mohamed Salah's "best years are yet to come" when he penned a new deal at Liverpool - but will miss out on them having announced his shock departure.
The German signed the Egyptian winger, who has gone on to become one of the most prolific forwards in the club's history, back in 2017. Klopp was integral in keeping Salah at the club when rumours began swirling that he would seek pastures new in the summer of 2022.
Salah extended his contract at Anfield just a matter of months after Klopp had done likewise. The Egyptian signed on until 2025 whilst the manager had committed himself to Liverpool until 2026. Now though, the German has stunned the world by confirming he will leave at the end of the season.
Klopp's departure will no doubt cast fresh doubt over whether Salah will remain in red, especially after the club managed to fend off lucrative advances from clubs in Saudi Arabia in the summer. They are expected to return once again with the German previously talking up how his forward was destined to get even better.
He said when Salah penned a new deal: "This is a special treat for our supporters to enjoy their weekend even more. I'm sure there will be some celebrations for this news tonight. Really pleased – really, really pleased. It's the best decision for us and best decision for him.
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"He belongs with us I think. This is his club now. I have no doubt Mo's best years are still to come. And that's saying something, because the first five seasons here have been the stuff of legend."
Jurgen Klopp's exit could cast doubt over Mo Salah's future (Ryan Browne/REX/Shutterstock)Salah has continued to score with regularity and is now third on the club's all-time list with second spot very much within reach. He's been Liverpool's main poacher ever since arriving from Roma, winning numerous personal accolades along the way.
The 31-year-old has confessed he would struggle to play against Liverpool, all but ruling out a shock move to a Premier League rival. Klopp's departure, coupled with the ageing profile of some of the club's leading lights, could Salah review his options this summer.
The Egyptian once claimed: "At the moment I can't see myself ever playing against Liverpool. That would make me sad. It's hard, I don't want to talk about it, but it would make me really sad." Salah's heritage is seen as incredibly attractive to Saudi chiefs who are determined to grow the profile of their domestic league.