Liverpool manager Arne Slot has expressed his delight after Mohamed Salah signed a new two-year contract with the club, ending months of speculation over the Egyptian forward's future. The 32-year-old has committed to Anfield until 2027 on a deal worth £380,000 per week.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's clash against West Ham, Slot said: 'Happy of course. He's shown at this club for so many years in a row now how much of a value he has for the team and club. As like from all our fans and his team-mates we are very happy he extended for two more years.'
Salah, who joined Liverpool from Roma in 2017 for an initial £36.5 million, has scored 243 goals in 394 appearances and won eight trophies. His previous contract was set to expire this summer, prompting intense speculation throughout the campaign.
Slot admitted he was not surprised by the announcement, having been kept informed of negotiations. 'I don't think it is a surprise to you that I knew a bit more how his contract situation went over the course of the season,' he said. 'Maybe for the fans it was a pleasant surprise, but I knew for a little bit longer that it was heading in the right direction.'
The Dutchman also praised sporting director Richard Hughes for securing the deal, noting that Salah could have joined any club as a free agent. 'It's also a big compliment for Richard that he achieved to extend Mo Salah who is such a great player,' Slot added.
With Salah's future resolved, attention turns to Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, both out of contract at the end of the season. Van Dijk is reportedly close to signing a new two-year deal, while Alexander-Arnold is linked with Real Madrid. Slot declined to comment on their situations, saying: 'As long as they're not signed we don't talk about it.'
