Whelan issues ‘£80m’ transfer claim after Liverpool source’s Salah update
Noel Whelan has insisted Liverpool must give Mohamed Salah “whatever he wants” after an update on contract talks at Anfield.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the Reds would have to spend £80million-plus to sign an inferior replacement for the 29-year-old.
As revealed by Football Insider on Saturday (11 December), there is a growing sense among Liverpool chiefs a deal can be done.
A Liverpool source told this site the “tricky” negotiations are at a “delicate stage”, with his current terms expiring in 2023.
Football Insider understands Salah is looking for a £500,000-a-week, four-and-a-half-year deal – which would be worth a total of £117million.
Whelan insisted the Egyptian superstar is worth every penny.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “If you’re looking at any player across the world right now, who would say is the best and most important? You’ve got to say Mo Salah. Absolutely no doubt about it.
“He’s been consistent ever since he joined Liverpool. He’s an icon at the football club, he’s broken records while he’s been there.
“In my opinion, you can’t afford to let Mo Salah leave that club. He is that important to them. You’ve got to do whatever it takes
“If you went out and spent £80million, they probably wouldn’t be as good as Mo Salah. He’s worth every single penny of that contract, if that’s what he’s asking for.
I don’t think Liverpool can afford to let him go. They need to sit down, whatever he wants, throw it on the table and give him a packet of sweets along with it as well.
“He will give you everything. He’s that kind of special player that you need in your team to be successful.”
Salah has already scored 20 goals in 21 appearances across all competitions this season.
His last contract extension came back in 2018.
In other news, Liverpool told “unbelievable” player open to Anfield move and he is keen to join next year.