Despite Mohamed SalahLiverpool’s latest comments saying they are ‘disappointed’ at not yet being offered a new contract, with Liverpool sources insisting the ongoing negotiations are ‘positive’.

Salah shocked his supporters after 3-2 victory Southampton when, in quotes published Monday morning, he declared himself “probably more outside than inside» next season.

This comes as the Egyptian insisted no formal offer had been received despite it being “almost December”, leaving him “disappointed” at the lack of progress.

“I have been with the club for many years. There is no club like this. But ultimately it’s not in my hands,” he told reporters.

But to counter Salah’s “disappointed” claims, AthleticsJames Pearce reports that sources within the club insist the discussions have been “positive”.

“Contact with (Salah’s agent Ramy) Abbas has been positive and continues,” Pearce writes, adding that it “will still be a complex renewal with a quick resolution unlikely.”

As the journalist explains, the majority of discussions will take place verbally, with any formal offers being made once these terms have been provisionally agreed.

Salah’s situation is difficult, because while he is undoubtedly one of Liverpool’s most important players and one of the best in the world, he will turn 33 in June and is already the club’s highest earner with £350,000 per week.

From the club’s side, it’s about striking a balance in terms of the length of any new deal and ensuring they don’t pay a record salary if the striker experiences a natural decline in form.

It has always been a matter of compromise between Liverpool and Salah – and I hope that, given the noise coming from Anfield, that can eventually be found.

Interestingly, Pearce adds that club sources “have not confirmed or denied” whether the No.11’s comments are accurate or not.

There is a clear feeling that, while it is worrying that there has not yet been a breakthrough given its importance, this development is part of the negotiation process for Salah.

The same thing happened during the lengthy negotiations over his current deal in 2022, with a deal finally agreed in July of that year – although he still had 12 months left then, unlike now.

This time, things are made even more complicated by Virgil van Dijk And Trent Alexander-Arnold also seeing their deals expire this summer.

This sparks a power play between three players who are already in the upper tier of Liverpool earners, with none willing to blink first as they all seek parity – at least – when it comes to payment.