'I'm sorry but...': Sky pundit seems baffled by Liverpool live on air today

By Lee Connor

Liverpool, Mo Salah, and his new contract could well be the dominant story of the summer as both sides seemingly wrestle to get the best deal possible.

Salah is now into the final 18 months of his current Liverpool contract. Talks have been ongoing for some time now, but as yet, there has been no big breakthrough from Liverpool’s side. Indeed, Salah spoke this week about the situation. He admitted he’s happy to stay at Anfield. But also suggested it wasn’t down to just him. Jurgen Klopp, too, has said he is confident a new deal will be agreed.

The situation on Salah’s contract was a discussion point today on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday programme. And while there were some differences in opinion, regular pundit Paul Merson cut a baffled figure when discussing Salah.

“If Liverpool are happy now they’ve won the league for the first time in decades then they’ll save their cash. But if they want to go on and dominate football, I’m sorry but it’s time to put your hand in your pocket,” Merson said live on air.

Merson appeared almost frustrated with the stance from Liverpool. It is believed Salah is wanting parity with some of the top PL players, such as Man City’s Kevin de Bruyne. Per Spotrac, that would put Salah on the £400k-a-week mark.

TBR’s View: Merson View One Shared By Many In Liverpool

The problem with not giving Mo Salah the money here, is who do you even look to replace him with? The goals, assists, energy, affinity with the fans, are all things that sometimes can’t even be bought.

£400k-a-week might sound huge. And it is, in fairness. But in comparison to some of the best in the world, which is amongst, it’s just the standard going rate.

Merson is right to be baffled. And you’d think if Liverpool don’t tie him down, then Anfield will be an unhappy place.