Mohamed Salah's mysterious Instagram post has sparked speculation that the Liverpool star is hinting at progress in his contract talks
Liverpool are still locked in contract negotiations with Mohamed Salah
Liverpool are still locked in contract negotiations with Mohamed Salah(Image: Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)
Mohamed Salah's cryptic Instagram post could be a subtle hint at progress in the Egyptian stars contract talks.
As Liverpool push for the Premier League title, contract renewals have become a major concern. Three key players, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Salah are all out of contract this summer unless Liverpool secure extensions.
Reports suggest Alexander-Arnold is set for a Real Madrid move, with talks already underway. Speculation has it that Van Dijk wants to stay at the club, but talk about Salah is still on edge. However, an enigmatic social media post from the winger may be a point to positive contract discussions.
READ MORE: Liverpool line-ups for Everton as Ryan Gravenberch rested and big striker decision madeREAD MORE: 'I made the wrong decision' - Arne Slot admits Liverpool star should have started vs Newcastle
The Egyptian international posted a close-up photo of what looks to be an incense burner on his Instagram story and white smoke could be seen coming out of the top. It was an unusual thing for Salah to share, but there could be a deeper meaning to it.
Mohamed Salah's Instagram story update on Tuesday evening
Mohamed Salah's Instagram story update on Tuesday evening
The 32-year-old forward is a committed Muslim and has publicly shared his love for the religion throughout his career. However, in Catholic tradition, white smoke pours out of the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican when a new pope is elected, while black smoke is shown if a decision hasn't been made yet.
While speculative, Salah is an intelligent player both on and off the pitch—he could very well know what he is doing and be indicating at a decision being made. The incense burner could also be a continued celebration of Eid al-Fitr, a celebration that marks the end of Ramadan, which ended on Monday - we can't be sure.
Ultimately, the future of Salah is still unresolved. The Liverpool star is still performing at the highest level which means he likely won't see a reduction in his salary that is said to be around £350,000-a-week.
The Reds are back in action on Wednesday evening as they face neighbours Everton in the Merseyside Derby at Anfield. Victory over the Blues would allow Arne Slot's side to re-establish a 12 point lead at the top of the Premier League table and move one step closer to a record-equalling 20th English league title.