Gary Lineker has shed light on a revealing conversation he had with Mohamed Salah, adding fuel to the ongoing speculation about the Liverpool star’s future. With his contract situation unresolved and Saudi clubs eager to sign him, Salah’s next move remains uncertain.
The Egyptian forward is enjoying a phenomenal season, leading Liverpool’s charge for silverware. With 25 goals and 17 assists in just 33 games, he has been instrumental in keeping Jurgen Klopp’s side at the top of the Premier League. His latest brace in Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Bournemouth further cemented their six-point lead over Arsenal.
However, while Liverpool are flying high, contract uncertainties loom large. Salah, alongside key teammates Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, has yet to agree to a new deal.
Reports suggest Alexander-Arnold could leave for Real Madrid on a free transfer, while Van Dijk has hinted at a possible departure. Salah, despite expressing interest in staying, has admitted that negotiations with the club are at a standstill.
Saudi Arabia’s sports minister recently emphasized how much the country would welcome Salah’s arrival, further intensifying rumors of a potential move. The financial allure of the Saudi Pro League has already drawn several high-profile players, and Salah could be next.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker shared insights from his recent conversation with Salah during a visit to Liverpool’s training ground. The former England striker recalled their exchange:
“He’s a great guy. I spent about 10 minutes with him when I was there to interview Arne Slot,” Lineker told Alan Shearer.
When Shearer pressed for details about Salah’s future, Lineker recounted an intriguing moment. “Salah asked me, ‘How old were you when you finished?’ I told him I left English football at 32 and then played in Japan for a couple of years. He responded, ‘Ah, so you went for the money?’”
Lineker laughed and admitted, “Well, yeah, I suppose so.” Salah’s response? “‘Yeah, I might do the same,’” followed by a cheeky wink to a press officer nearby.
While it may have been said in jest, the remark has only added to the growing belief that Salah could be swayed by a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, particularly as he approaches his 33rd birthday this summer.
For now, Salah remains focused on delivering another Premier League title for Liverpool. He also has a chance to add more silverware in the Carabao Cup, but the Reds must overturn a one-goal deficit against Tottenham in their semi-final second leg on Thursday.