Ian Rush tells Liverpool bosses ‘you cannot buy’ what Mohamed Salah brings to the side amid contract standoff

Ian Rush believes that ‘everyone’ connected to Liverpool wants Mohamed Salah to sign a new contract, insisting to the Liverpool hierarchy that ‘you can’t buy’ what the Egyptian offers.

‘Me and Mo (Salah) speak quite a lot,’ Rush told Mail Sport. ‘People talk about whether he’s staying or going but I just enjoy watching him on the pitch. He’s a joy to watch. You think he hasn’t done anything for 20 then he pops up with a goal or two. 

‘You can’t buy that. That’s special and he’s a special player. Everyone wants him to stay,’ added Liverpool’s record goalscorer.

Rush’s comments came a day after Salah told reporters of his disappointment because he is yet to be offered a new contract by Liverpool and that he is ‘probably more out than in’ with his current deal expiring at the end of this season.

Salah’s brace at Southampton helped Liverpool to an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League and the 32-year-old now has 100 away goals for Liverpool – a tally bettered only by Rush (161) and Roger Hunt (112). Salah is also third in the all-time Liverpool top scorers list with 223 goals, behind Rush (339) and Hunt (267).

And Rush, speaking at the 2024 Northwest Football awards in Manchester, admitted he is not surprised by Liverpool’s start to life under Arne Slot.

Salah told Mail Sport and a small selection of reporters that he is ‘probably more out than in’

Under the Dutchman, they have picked up 31 points out of a possible 36 in the Premier League and have a 100 per cent record in the Champions League, going into a blockbuster week.

Liverpool host Real Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday, before welcoming Manchester City on Sunday, where a win would put them 11 points clear of Pep Guardiola’s side.

‘I’m not surprised. It was always going to be difficult coming in after Jurgen (Klopp). I was with them on the pre-season tour and they were fantastic and they’ve taken that into the season. There’s still a long way to go but I’m happy,’ said Rush. 

‘I’m happy that the two games are at Anfield this week. You don’t get many bigger games. The supporters will get behind the players and hopefully the players will react to that. I’m looking forward to it. Liverpool are a bit more patient now but they’re still creating chances and a joy to watch.’