Liverpool transfer plans could be ‘scuppered’ after Mohamed Salah contract latest – expert
Liverpool are reluctant to bow to Mohamed Salah’s wage demands as it “could scupper” their transfer plans, according to Noel Whelan.
The ex-Premier League striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, said the 29-year-old’s huge salary could prevent the club from affording a move for Jude Bellingham.
Salah‘s current deal expires at the end of next year and talks over an extension have proved troublesome.
An Anfield source told Football Insider (26 March) that Reds chiefs remain hopeful of agreeing new terms, despite the Egypt captain’s £500,000-a-week.
Whelan suggested the club should not “smash their budget” just to keep Salah.
“When a player is demanding £500,000-a-week that is going to throw your wage structure out of the window,” he told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge.
“It also effects your transfer plans. We know they are interested in Jude Bellingham and paying Salah that much could scupper that signing. They would smash their budget on wages for just one player. This is what Liverpool are weighing up now.
“Of course they want to keep him, who wouldn’t? This is a player though who is going to have their last big contract. If he goes on a free to PSG or Man City he will get £500,000-a-week but can Liverpool afford that for a 30-year-old?
“The club and player need to think long and hard about it. You don’t want to lose him but you have to run your club properly.”
In other news, an ex-Fifa officials has compared a Liverpool 29-year-old to Vinnie Jones as controversy is analysed.