FSG must listen to Alexis Mac Allister as Mohamed Salah Liverpool contract saga rumbles on

Alexis Mac Allister has stressed how important Mohamed Salah is to Liverpool after he played a vital role in their 2-0 victory over Aston Villa on Saturday. Assisting Darwin Nunez’s opener, the Egyptian wrapped up the win late on to move the Reds five points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

Salah now has 10 goals and 10 assists from just 17 appearances for Arne Slot’s so far this season and has been instrumental in a week which has seen Liverpool move top of the Champions League table as well as extend their domestic advantage.

Netting the winner last weekend against Brighton & Hove Albion, the 32-year-old registered two assists in the 4-0 thrashing of Bayer Leverkusen in midweek prior to his latest heroics against Villa.

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Yet despite his eye-catching form this season, the forward’s Anfield future remains uncertain with his current contract set to expire next summer.

Reports from journalist Ismael Mahmoud on Sunday suggested that Liverpool are set to step up contract negotiations with Salah during the international break. Yet it remains to be seen if any discussions will have a happy conclusion and extend his stay at Anfield.

Regardless of such uncertainty, the Reds dressing room are well aware of Salah’s importance to their efforts.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Mac Allister said: "He's so good and so important for this team. I think we all know - not just for the team, for the club as well. He's a legend here. So, happy for him.

"When you have him, you know that he's going to deliver, he's going to get the numbers. We're happy that he's playing for us."

The Reds dressing room will be keeping everything crossed that Salah remains in their ranks next season with head coach Slot recently admitting he is hopeful that the Egypt captain's future will be resolved with a new contract at Anfield.

“Is Salah irreplaceable? That’s not what I think about at the moment,” Slot was quoted as telling TNT Sport Brazil. “The only thing that I think about is that he’s so important for us, scores important goals, works hard for the team.

“I’m hoping that he can enjoy that feeling (scoring at Anfield) many, many many more times. Especially if I’m here.

“But even if I’m not here I’m still hoping for him that he can do this many more times. He’s been incredible for Liverpool for the past six, seven eight years, I don’t know exactly how long he’s been here, and he’s been incredible for us this season.

“I hope he can continue doing this for the rest of the season and maybe longer to come. But that’s something up to him and the club to find the idea about the future.”

Meanwhile, a banner aimed at owners Fenway Sports Group was unveiled on the Kop during Liverpool’s win over Aston Villa, reiterating supporters’ desire to see Salah stay put with the Reds.

'FSG, he fires a bow, now give him his dough' was the message in support of the forward and the new celebration he has rolled out this term.

Players, head coach and supporters are all in agreement - they want Salah to stay. And the player wants to stay, too, with the ECHO reporting earlier in the campaign that Salah is desperate sign fresh terms at Anfield.

But whether that will be how this latest Liverpool contract saga actually unfolds is another story for another day.

In the meantime, those of a Reds persuasion can only continue to wait with bated breath, hoping for a positive resolution while well-aware that their Egyptian King will be free to agree a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs from January 1.

Salah is showing no signs of slowing down as he continues to navigate for the final season of his current contract. But as things stand, the clock continues to tick on both his Liverpool career and the Reds’ opportunity to retain his services.