Roy Keane shows true Mohamed Salah colours as Liverpool contract verdict delivered
Man United legend Roy Keane has praised Mohamed Salah for his impact on Liverpool and the Premier League
Roy Keane has praised Mohamed Salah after the Liverpool star signed a new contract at Anfield. The Reds forward put pen to paper on a new two-year deal which will extend his stay at the Merseyside club to a decade.
The news put an end to speculation over his future at Liverpool amid another stellar campaign. Salah has scored 32 goals in all competitions this season, with his performances putting Arne Slot's side on the verge of Premier League glory.
And former Manchester United midfielder Keane has praised Salah for his impact on English football's top-flight. The Egyptian stands third on the all-time Liverpool goalscorers list with 243 in 394 appearances so far.
"We see him doing it week in, week out, scoring the goals, assists and the difference would be if you put him in the Arsenal team they would win the league - that's how special he is," Keane told Sky Sports.
"I'm kind of glad they got the deal done, you want the top players in the Premier League. It was only a matter of time, he deserves it, he's a special player.
"You talk targets and not giving contracts to certain players but he's a proper pro and he's doing the business. You couldn't let him walk out the door for free."
Centre-back Virgil van Dijk is also reportedly expected to sign a new contract at the Reds. Like Salah, it is said that the Dutch defender will sign a two-year deal.
Reds boss Slot declined to provide an update on Van Dijk’s contract talks in Friday's pre-match press conference, instead pointing to the centre-back’s strong run of form this season.
"I think you know the answer - the boring answer as always,” Slot said. “We talk about contracts if they are signed. In case with Mo we are talking about it. As long as it's not signed, we are not talking about it.
"I can tell you that I am very happy with Virgil this season. He's been incredible for us - even in the last few games, where maybe there were moments were he could've done better. But if you look at the other 89 minutes, he is such an important player for us.
"Let's hope he can do the same - I just hope with Mo and he can do the same on Sunday again, being our leader again as he has always been this season, against West Ham."