Liverpool must 'blow up' their wage bill to keep Mohamed Salah or risk losing their star man to a club like Manchester City, claims Sky Sports pundit Kevin Campbell.
The Lowdown: Terrific Salah
Salah's time at Liverpool is nothing less than remarkable. Since joining from AS Roma in 2017, the winger has hit insane heights with 134 goals and 50 assists in 212 games, winning the Premier League, Champions League, Club World Cup and Super Cup in Red.
He has started the current campaign in tremendous form, with six goals in seven Premier League games and three goals in Liverpool's opening two Champions League games.
But with his contract expiring in 2023, there is fear they could lose their Egyptian King if they don't offer an increase to the £200k-per-week he already earns, and it was reported by David Maddock that talks are 'complicated'.
The Latest: 'Blow up' wage structure
Speaking to Football Insider after Maddock's revelation, Sky Sports pundit and former Arsenal striker Campbell has claimed Liverpool must do all they can do to keep Salah at the club.
“When you have a player who is doing what Mohamed Salah is doing, normally there are no questions about tying him up. Normally there are no questions about tying him up because that is a priority for the team.
“I don’t know what‘s going on inside Liverpool, but I know Salah is out-playing his present contract. 100 per cent he is.
“Whoever is dealing with the negotiations has a problem. Another club like Man City could probably double Mohamed Salah’s money. That is the problem Liverpool have.
“They work within a structure but that structure is going to get blown up because Salah is playing that well. This is the type of player he is.
“It would be crazy to lose him over this. They cannot allow it to leave, but we have seen it before. It would not be the first time.
“The finances are football are so important but with a player like Salah, you have to break the bank.”
The Verdict: Need to move fast
Salah's importance to this Liverpool squad is unquestionable and offering the attacker a new and improved deal should not even be debated after his amazing period at the club.
Breaking their traditional plans when it comes to player contracts and wages is what is going to be needed, but losing Salah to City, or another Premier League or Champions League rival, would be devastating for Liverpool fans and far outweigh any negatives which come with ripping up the wage structure.
In other news, this Liverpool target's ideal destination has been confirmed. Find out more here.