James baffled at suggestions Salah could leave Liverpool

Former Liverpool goalkeeper David James would be surprised if the Merseysiders opted to replace Mohamed Salah at the end of the season.

Salah is out of contract next summer and made some pointed remarks following his wonderful display at Old Trafford yesterday in which he scored once and assisted two goals for Luis Diaz as Liverpool ran out 3-0 winners against Manchester United.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, the Egyptian said: “To be fair I was coming to the game [as if] it could be the last time [playing at Old Trafford]. Nobody in the club has talked to me about contracts. It is not up to me, it is up to the club.

“As you know, it’s my last year in the club. I just want to enjoy it, I don’t want to think about it. I feel I’m free to play football and let’s see what’s going to happen next year.”

New Liverpool boss Arne Slot refused to discuss the subject after the game but James, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live this morning, says the 32-year-old seems to be playing better than ever.

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James said: “I think that Mo Salah cut his hair off and got better! For years and years he was iconic for his hair. His touch was better, he looks like a new player both visually and performance wise.

“I think however Arne Slot is doing it – whether through training or individual work – he’s getting the best out of a player who Liverpool fans thought for years and years has always been at his best.

“If he were to continue like this, then why would you want to try and bring someone else in when you have got Mo Salah performing like this?”