Mohamed Salah has signed a two-year contract extension with Liverpool, ending speculation that the Egyptian forward would leave the club this summer for the Saudi Pro League.
The 32-year-old's previous deal was scheduled to expire at the end of June with player and club seemingly at an impasse over agreeing fresh terms on a new contract.
He has been allowed to negotiate with foreign clubs since January 1 and could have walked away from Liverpool for free in the summer.
However, Friday's announcement has put an end to speculation as to Salah's future. The new deal commits him to Anfield until 2027, and, assuming he sees it through, will see him complete 10 years on Merseyside.
"Of course I'm very excited – we have a great team now," said Salah.
"Before also we had a great team. But I signed because I think we have a chance to win other trophies and enjoy my football.
"I have played eight years here, hopefully it's going to be 10. I'm enjoying my life here, enjoying my football. I have had the best years of my career here.
"I would like to say to [the fans], I am very, very happy to be here. I signed here because I believe we can win a lot of big trophies together. Keep supporting us and we’ll give it our best, and hopefully in the future we’re going to win more trophies."
Salah has proven himself one of the greatest signings in the club's history after joining from Italian club Roma in 2017 for €42 million.
In 393 appearances for Liverpool, Salah has scored 243 goals and provided 109 assists, marking him out as one of the best players in world football.
His form this season only highlighted why Liverpool were so keen to keep him – and why clubs in Saudi Arabia, most notably Al Ittihad – were keen to pounce should no accord be reached.
In an interview with Piers Morgan aired in late January, Saudi Arabia's Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal said he would love Salah to play in his country, adding that he "ticks all the boxes".
Salah has scored 32 goals in all competitions this season, including 27 in the Premier League as the Reds chase a 20th top-flight title. Liverpool are 11 points clear of second-placed Arsenal with seven games remaining.
"He has shown at this club for so many years in a row how much of a value he is for the club and the team," said Liverpool manager Arne Slot. "As like all our fans and his teammates, we are very happy that he has extended for two more years.
"Hopefully, he can show on Sunday again [against West Ham] how important he has been for us all season."
During his time at Anfield, Salah has won the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Uefa Champions League and the Fifa Club World Cup.
Salah sits third in Liverpool's all-time top scorer list with 243 goals, behind Ian Rush and Roger Hunt.
The Egyptian star has the joint-most goals scored by an international player (184) in the Premier League and also the most goal contributions in a 38-game season (44).
The announcement will come as a huge relief to Liverpool supporters fearful they might lose their best player. Salah has been unusually vocal this season, often telling media that his time at the club was running down.
The protracted drama has played out all season. As recently as January, Salah said he and Liverpool were “far away from any progress” on a new contract and that he was in his “last six months” at the club.
Salah's signing comes as a timely boost during both his and Liverpool's most difficult spell of the season.
Slot's men have lost three of their last four games in all competitions to bow out of the Champions League to Paris Saint-Germain, lose the League Cup final to Newcastle and have their 26-game unbeaten run in the Premier League come to an end at Fulham.
Salah has failed to score in six of his last seven games at club level with his only goals in that run coming against already-relegated Southampton from the penalty spot.
Salah was one of three key Liverpool players who will be out of contract this summer, along with right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold and centre-back Virgil van Dijk.
Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Daniel Akpeyi Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina, Abdullahi Shehu, Chidozie Awaziem, William Ekong, Leon Balogun, Kenneth Omeruo, Jamilu Collins, Semi Ajayi Midfielders: John Obi Mikel, Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo, John Ogu Forwards: Ahmed Musa, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Henry Onyekuru, Odion Ighalo, Alexander Iwobi, Samuel Kalu, Paul Onuachu, Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze
On Standby: Theophilus Afelokhai, Bryan Idowu, Ikouwem Utin, Mikel Agu, Junior Ajayi, Valentine Ozornwafor
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.
Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.
Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.
