Liverpool manager Arne Slot says he is not surprised by the contract extension of Mohamed Salah, Afrosport reports.
The Egyptian superstar was in the final year of his contract but there was no indication whether he would commit his future at Anfield or further his career elsewhere.
All of those concerns were put to bed on Friday when Liverpool announced that Salah had extended his stay in the red half of Merseyside until 2027.
Slot, reacting to the news, said it might have been surprising to fans but is an evidence of the effort Salah has put in since he joined the club from AS Roma in 2027.
“I think for the fans it is. I don’t think it’s a surprise to you that I knew a bit better how his contract situation went over the course of the whole season,” the Dutch tactician said.
“So maybe for the fans, it was a pleasant surprise. I knew it a bit longer, of course, that things were heading in the right direction. And I’m part of that process, but I don’t think I deserve the compliments.
“I think it’s, first of all, it’s Mo’s choice and his agent’s choice, what he wants. And second of all the club, FSG, Richard [Hughes], Michael Edwards, they put a lot of effort in him to extend. And effort mostly means money [Slot laughs]. But also effort, not only money.
“So, I think what it might tell you as well that it’s not only a good season this season. We want to make a very good season next season as well. And I think Mo is convinced that there’s a fair chance that we’re able to do so. So, that’s positive for us.”
— Mohamed Salah (@MoSalah) April 11, 2025
Salah has scored 243 goals and provided 111 assists in 394 competitive games for Liverpool and has won eight titles including the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.
He is the current top scorer in the top flight this season with 27 goals in 31 matches, with Liverpool on course to win a second Premier League title with seven games left to play.
