Ex-Liverpool star urges Arne Slot to complete deal for 'world-class player'

Liverpool with - a player described as "almost impossible to replace".

With his contract set to expire at Anfield in July, when he'll be 33, alongside key players like and , Salah's importance is magnified. He's currently Liverpool's joint-top scorer this season alongside Luis Diaz, boasting nine goals and nine assists.

defender Glen Johnson has praised Salah's professionalism amidst uncertainty over his future, telling 10bet: "Credit to Mo Salah. There's a lot of speculation about him, but as a proper pro, he's getting his head down and still performing. We've seen many players think they're not getting a new deal and sulk, chuck their toys out of their pram. It's good that he hasn't done that.

"There's a lot of speculation about him, but as a proper pro, he's getting his head down and still performing. We've seen many players think they're not getting a new deal and sulk, chuck their toys out of their pram. It's good that he hasn't done that.

"He's still a world-class player, isn't he? If you lose him, he's almost impossible to replace and you certainly wouldn't want to be the player trying to replace him, that's for sure. Hopefully they can get a deal done. I know he's getting older, but he's still putting in these performances and there are still not many better than him around at the moment."

Johnson expressed hope that Liverpool can finalize a new contract, noting Salah's continued elite performances despite his age. On the topic of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Johnson acknowledged the difficulty Liverpool may face in retaining him, especially with Real Madrid showing interest and Alexander-Arnold's own ambitions to win the Ballon d'Or.

He suggested that Liverpool supporters would understand if Alexander-Arnold left next summer, provided he doesn't "kick up a fuss". "For Trent to be recognised at the best right-back in the history of the game, does he need to go and demonstrate his ability in a different league say for Real Madrid, who we know would love to take him?" Johnson said. "Every big player wants to win everything, they all want to be the best. When clubs like Real Madrid come calling, it's hard to not be interested.

"Growing up as kids, nearly everyone wanted to play for Real Madrid. It's obviously a big club that goes everywhere, as we all know, and they always have done. It's a realistic opportunity. He could be leaving for free. Obviously, Liverpool fans don't want him to leave, but if he handles the situation well and leaves on the right terms and doesn't kick up a fuss, then I think Liverpool fans will be OK.

"He's a local lad. He's a Liverpool legend, won everything. You could understand it and if Liverpool haven't nailed him down on a new contract, then what's he supposed to do? He's got to go somewhere. It's a complicated one because obviously everyone wants him to stay, but if you're on a free and Real Madrid come knocking, it's hard to ignore."