Diouf: "Salah would have to start from zero if he joined Real Madrid"

It seemed the perfect love story, a match made in heaven, but Mohamed Salah's working relationship with Liverpool will soon enter into its final 12 months - his contract will expire on 30 June 2023 and if no agreement is reached, the two will be going their separate ways.

Salah flourishes at Anfield

The Egypt international has grown exponentially as a player since the first day he arrived at Anfield. Under Jürgen Klopp, he has blossomed into one of the best players in the world. He is an integral part of Liverpool's feared frontline, alongside Sadio Mané and Roberto Firmino - one of the strongest attacking trios in Europe. During his time on Merseyside, Salah became the first Egyptian player to win the Champions League  and the Premier League, and has also picked up winners medals in the European Super Cup, Club World Cup and EFL Carabao Cup.

Salah, who turns 30 in June, is keen to strike what will probably be his last major contract but for now, no agreement has been reached. It has been reported that the player is looking for a a substantial pay rise but it is not known whether Liverpool would agree to those demands - or even be in a position to. Unless a deal is struck, Salah will be able to move on as a free agent next summer when he will be 31.

AS understands that Barcelona are one of several clubs who are closely following Salah's situation, although their financial situation is far worse than Liverpool's. When quizzed, Salah confessed that he would be open to playing in LaLiga and wouldn't rule out a move to Real Madrid - Los Blancos already have the right wing covered though with Asensio, Rodrygo and Lucas Vázquez...

Michael Owen recently gave his opinion on what he would do if he were in Salah's shoes and now another ex-Liverpool player, El Hadji Diouf, has given his two cents' worth. The ex-Senegal international advises Salah to stay where he is with Liverpool rather than risking his career abroad where it doesn't always work out for everyone...

"It's obvious that Liverpool should accept Salah's demands. If I were Salah, I'd stay with Liverpool. He might be able to earn more money somewhere else, but he's already the best players at the club with Mané and together they will win many more trophies. He's 30 years old and I am asking him to play another four years with the Reds. A move to Real Madrid would mean starting from zero," Diouf explained.

Speaking from his own experience, Diouf added that European and African players are not viewed the same on the continent. "Salah has to realise that he is African and he will never be treated like the Europeans players. They will never give him a bigger contract than the others. The same thing happened to me when I was at Liverpool. They told me I couldn't go back to my country to play with the the national team".

Salah eyeing more silverware with Liverpool

Liverpool are just one point Manchester City in the Premier League and face Pep Guardiola's team in the FA Cup semi-finals next month. Klopp's men are also through to the Champions League quarter finals. Salah has been a key part of that success, contributing 28 goals and 10 assists. He has plenty to keep him occupied between now and the end of the season but at some point, he will have to decide where his future lies.