Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah celebrates after scoring his side’s third goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Newcastle and Liverpool, at St. James Park in Newcastle, England. (AP)
A fan waved a banner during Liverpool’s 2-0 canter over Aston Villa last month: “He fires a bow. Now give Mo his dough.” He was referring to Mohammed Salah’s trademark bow-and-arrow goal celebration as well as the contract dance with his employers. There are rumours that the club and its talisman have finally agreed to a new contract, but the period of uncertainty dragged on interminably. Salah would publicly admit that he was “more out than in,” and that “it could be his last game at Etihad.” The manager Arne Slot disarmed the tension, saying, “maybe, he knows about the 115 charges.”
None of the rumours or the supposed stand-off has diminished Salah’s form this season. Rather, refreshingly, he has been more influential for his club than ever before. Just one-third of the season past, he has already racked up numbers that dazzle. In 21 games, he has amassed 15 goals and hatched 12 assists, fuelling Liverpool to the top of the league and the Champions League title.