Mohamed Salah 'nigh on impossible to replace' – but Steve McManaman 'not nervous' about Liverpool exit

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Steve McManaman emphasised Mohamed Salah's importance to Liverpool, saying the forward is "nigh-on impossible to replace" as his Anfield status beyond the 2024/25 campaign remains uncertain. Salah's contract is set to be up in 2025, and McManaman said it is "important" for the Premier League leaders to retain the Egypt international "for a number of years".

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TNT Sports football expert Steve McManaman has stressed the importance for Liverpool to retain the services of Mohamed Salah "for a number of years", with the forward's contract situation unresolved.

Salah has already hit double figures in both goal and assists charts in all competitions this season, helping Arne Slot's side move eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table - most recently netting a decisive brace in their 3-2 comeback victory over Southampton on Sunday.

But his Liverpool status beyond this season remains unconfirmed, with his contract set to expire in 2025 alongside other key team-mates Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

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The Egyptian fanned the flames further about his future on Monday, suggesting he was "more out than in" at Liverpool due to a lack of contract offer.

Speaking to TNT Sports before Salah's latest quotes, McManaman hailed the 32-year-old and insisted he is "not nervous" over the forward's contract uncertainty.

"He's going to be nigh on impossible to replace, that's the thing," McManaman told TNT Sports. "The numbers he puts out, that'll be hard to replace.

"He's only 32, I think it's important to tie him down for a number of years. I think Liverpool will tie him down for a number of years.

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"It all depends on the person. If he wants to stay at Liverpool, and he genuinely wants to stay for a number of years, I think the deal will get done. But if him and his family think 'I want to play in another country' or 'I want to move', there's nothing you can do.

"I think the fact he wants to continue to break records, I think he'll stay. I'm not nervous about the situation."

Now in his eighth season at Anfield, Salah has continued to notch hugely important goals in a Liverpool shirt, including the winner in their 2-1 comeback victory over Brighton & Hove Albion earlier in November, as well as a late equaliser in their 2-2 draw with Arsenal and the opener in a 2-1 triumph over Chelsea.

And McManaman believes Salah will remain an influential figure despite entering the latter stages of his career.

"I think Liverpool will put it to him [a new deal]," McManaman said. "He's still fit, looks after himself. I've got no qualms about him playing till he's 34, 35, it's just getting the nuances of the deal and making everybody happy."

"Is a two-year deal enough? Or does he want three, does he want four, does he want a five-year deal - which of course won't happen.

"But I think Liverpool are more than happy to accommodate all the players. He's spent such a long time here and seems to be happy.

"Let's be honest, there are business and commercial deals away from football that are such that money shouldn't necessarily be an issue for him. He doesn't seem like that type of gentleman.

"So if he wants to play football, he wants to play at the highest level... he's arguably playing for the best team in Europe at the moment - why would you change?"

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Slot has guided his side to four wins from as many matches in the competition so far, whilst fending off questions over the uncertain futures of key trio Salah, Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk.

And McManaman feels the unresolved futures of the three Liverpool stars will not derail the Premier League leaders from their impressive start.

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"Personally, I don't think it matters," McManaman said. "I think he can put that aside, put that onto Richard Hughes [sporting director], put that onto whoever he wants to.

"[Slot] doesn't even have to discuss it in the press conferences. I don't think it will affect the players themselves. I don't think it will affect the team.

"There shouldn't be a lack of focus from anybody, it will get sorted out in good time, regardless of what they want to do.

"It shouldn't deflect from what the team's going to achieve, because at the start of every season you go out wanting to be successful for your own personal ambition, and you want to win silverware for your club, your friends and your fans.

"I don't think that should change because of contract situations. I think that will iron itself out to be honest."

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