BBC pundit Ian Wright has issued a stark warning to Liverpool over the future of Mohamed Salah, saying they may lose him to Real Madrid ‘sooner rather than later.’
The Egyptian winger has been in scintillating form for Liverpool this year and is currently the highest scorer in Europe with 28 goals in the Premier League and 36 in all competitions for the Reds.
He continued his brilliant scoring run at the weekend as he slotted four past Watford to take an outright lead in the race for the Golden Boot, with rivals Harry Kane and Sergio Aguero both sidelined through injury.
Former Arsenal striker Wright has now issued a warning to the Reds over key man Salah’s future, with several of Europe’s top clubs beginning to be linked with a move for the 25-year-old.
In a column for The Sun, he said: “It is the burning question and the nagging doubt for Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool fans alike. Not so much whether or not Mo Salah can reproduce this season’s heroics on a consistent basis over the years ahead. The answer to that is pretty clear — a definite yes. The major issue for them is whether he’ll continue to do so in a red shirt at Liverpool, or a white one as a Real Madrid Galactico.
“Salah’s displays for Liverpool have been phenomenal. It’s reaching the stage where it’s pointless making comparisons with heroes of the past because he’s outdoing them all. And ironically it is his performances on Merseyside which could — and almost certainly will — give them a huge problem before too long. Are you telling me when the rebuilding begins at Real — and they need it — he won’t be at the top of their wanted list?
“I’ve a horrible feeling that, as far as Liverpool and Klopp are concerned, they will have another Philippe Coutinho situation on their hands sooner rather than later. And we all saw how that one played out in the end with the Brazilian heading off to Barcelona for £145million.”
Liverpool signed Salah in the summer for a fee of £37million from Roma after the Egypt international had scored 19 goals in all competitions for the Italian giants.
OPINION
It is a massive shame that every player who rips up the Premier League is immediately linked with a move to either Real Madrid or Barcelona. Tottenham fans are experiencing it with Harry Kane and Dele Alli at the moment, and now it seems as though Liverpool fans are to join them in worrying about Salah’s future. If there is one thing that Liverpool could do to guarantee his future at the club for at least one more season, it is win the Champions League. If they do that, then there is no reason for Salah to leave, and they would be in position to make a serious run at the title next season. There is little chance Salah would leave in that situation. However, if that does not happen, and Madrid come in with a massive bid, who is to know what Liverpool will decide.