Mohamed Salah of Liverpool
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool
The news of a potential breakthrough in Mo Salah's Liverpool contract situation could have huge implications that stretch way beyond Anfield. And Newcastle United will be one of the clubs keeping a close eye on the situation.
After seemingly signalling that this would be his last season with the club, reports now suggest the Egyptian forward could be set to extend his stay on Merseryside. Salah had been unhappy about the length of a proposed contract extension, with the 32-year-old looking for a longer new deal.
With Liverpool chiefs unwilling to meet his requests, it looked as though this would be his final season in the Premier League - but the Mirror report that the situation has now changed, and the forward is set to sign a new two-year contract.
While that could be bad news for the rest of the Premier League - particularly given Salah's performance in last week's 3-3 draw at St James' Park - it could potentially be better news for Eddie Howe, Paul Mitchell and Co.
Arne Slot's Reds were very keen on bringing United forward Anthony Gordon to Anfield last summer, although Newcastle held out on a deal once they had sold Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh to meet PSR regulations in June. Liverpool continue to be linked with Gordon, who scored against them in last week's thriller.
Whle Gordon favours the left flank, and Salah the right, not having to find a replacement for the Egyptian could reduce the need to search for forward options in the 2025 summer transfer window. Liverpool already have Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz who can operate on the left, while Diogo Jota is capable of playing across the frontline.
Liverpool have also been linked with United forward Alexander Isak, but ironically Salah's continued stay at Anfield could mean they focus more on the Swedish striker. Darwin Nunez continues to split opinion, with many Reds fans hoping for a striker addition in the coming windows. Isak scored his seventh goal of the season against Brentford on Saturday, but was also guilty of some glaring misses.
Howe admitted last week that while United were keen to hang on to their top players, he couldn't guarantee that the club would not sell any of their big names, given the need to meet PSR and FPP rules, and with the need to continue to invest in the squad. Newcastle will be looking to make key signgings in the January and summer windows, but must tread carefully when it comes to financial rules.
Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes celebrates Alexander Isak's opening goal against Liverpool