“Liverpool should consider selling Mohamed Salah, but not because of his age or contract”

Former Liverpool goalkeeper David James has suggested the Reds should do some calculations on Mohamed Salah this summer
and potentially consider cashing in on the 32-year-old — but not because of his age or contractual situation.

Instead, James believes Salah cannot necessarily work under Arne Slot. Rather than worrying that he is no longer at his best, the former England goalkeeper wants a full analysis to be carried out at a tactical level.

“The logical thing would be to analyse the data around Salah,” he told Genting Casino. “It’s unlikely that Slot will come along and match exactly what Liverpool have done in the last six or seven years.

READ MORE: FSG ‘in talks’ to buy second football team managed by former Liverpool player
READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news LIVE: Karim Adeyemi deal, Joao Neves talks, Chelsea ‘fury’ at Rio Ngumoha

“If he wants to implement a change in philosophy as well as tactics, you have to look at the numbers and have an honest conversation about whether Salah is improving what Arne wants to do. If there is evidence to suggest that he is not, then you start looking at the numbers to see whether or not to keep him.”

“But it has to be a business decision. Unless Mo becomes the focal point going forward and the numbers suggest he can do that, there will always be a price he can be sold for and someone who can be recruited.”

James believes there are other options on the market that could be a better fit for Liverpool. There are also questions over what Slot could do with some of the players he inherits.

“I’m sure the recruitment team and Arne himself will have a list of names they’d like to see, but there are players already at the club who can make a difference,” James continued. “Look at Cody Gakpo, is this guy showing the form with Holland that he could show at Liverpool next season?

“Forget age, I don’t think Mo has dropped off the pace or shown any signs of injury that would suggest anything needs to change from that perspective. If Mo is happy to stay and he’s part of Slot’s future, then I think he’ll stay for now. However, if it doesn’t fit with Arne’s vision and the budget is right, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Mo leave.”

Liverpool.com says: Liverpool have no chance of selling Salah this summer. Given that he is unlikely to be released without a transfer fee, given the continued interest from Saudi Arabia, a new contract that would extend his stay at Anfield beyond next summer seems like a no-brainer, although negotiations may not be straightforward.