It would “make sense” to extend Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool contract as he still “loves” playing for the club, says journalist and author Simon Hughes.
With the forward’s deal set to run out in the summer and no new contract yet in place, there has been questions around Salah’s future with the Reds.
A recent cryptic social media post after scoring against Brighton led to concern from fans his time with the club may be coming to an end, but Hughes is less sure.
“He [Salah] loves playing for Liverpool,” he told BBC Radio Merseyside.
“People will argue all day long – does he really love playing for Liverpool? Or does he just love the fact he is a great player at Liverpool?
“A lot can be gleaned by just looking at the way he reacts to scoring a goal, particularly in front of the Kop. He has really taken that in and he takes a lot of confidence from playing at Liverpool and the support and love he gets from the crowd.
“I don’t think he underestimates that and the impact that has on him to perform at the levels he does.”
Despite the uncertainty around his future, the 32-year-old has continued to shine at the highest level – already notching up 10 goals and 10 assists so far this season.
“It would make sense, both on his part and the club’s part, to extend this relationship for at least another two years,” Hughes added.
“It will be very difficult for Liverpool’s owners if he finishes this season for the eighth year in a row on 20-plus goals.
“And it is not just the goals but the impact on the matches he has too. He is scoring goals in big games still and it is not easy to replace that.
“It is very easy to let greatness go away, but it is a lot more difficult to rediscover it. I just hope Liverpool know what they have got here.”
Listen to the interview on BBC Sounds