Arne Slot offers revealing insight into Mo Salah contract talks and role in new Liverpool deal

Arne Slot insists he knew 's contract talks were "heading in the right direction" but that the fans will be relieved to see him at . The Egyptian's future has been a talking point all season, but he has now put any speculation regarding an exit to bed.

Salah has signed a new two-year extension at Anfield as he enjoys one of his best seasons. The forward could end up post career-best figures if he enjoys a prolific end to the campaign having already exceeded the 30-goal barrier.

Despite his age the former man remains at the peak of his powers and is by far and away Liverpool's most reliable individual in the final third. He's helped Liverpool establish a commanding lead at the top of the as he eyes his second title.

Slot will be able to build on, what is likely to be, a title triumph with Salah still at the club, which is a massive boost ahead of his summer recruitment.

The Liverpool boss said: "I am happy, of course. He has shown for so many years in a row how much value he has to the club, like all the fans and the team-mates they are very happy he has extended for two more years.

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"Relief? For the fans I think so. It's no surprise to you I knew a bit better how the contract situation went. I knew a bit longer things were heading in the right direction. It is a big compliment to Richard Hughes because , as a free agent, can go to any club he wants to."

Liverpool have made moves to retain several of their leading lights with Salah potentially soon to be joined by Virgil van Dijk, who claimed this week he had held positive talks with the Anfield hierarchy. Keeping hold of the centre-half would also be a huge boost.

Salah's decision to stay put represents a major u-turn with the player commenting earlier in the campaign that he saw this as his final season on Merseyside. He later doubled down on that and said he was "more out than in" when it came to Liverpool as talks remained at a standstill.

Slot though is confident that his decision to stay put is proof that he believes he can achieve even more at Anfield as they look to build on their success this term.

The Dutchman continued: "First of all, he has always been judged as a player, but I also see him as a human being and he is humble, works hard and puts so much effort in to become the player he is. He keeps that effort every single day. He can score goals if he is not in the best half hour or 15 mins and that is why he is mentally so strong. He has to be strong mentally and apart from the other things that is probably what stands out for me.

"How much input did I have? I am part of the process but I don't deserve the compliments, it's Mo, his agent and then FSG, Richard, they all put the effort, which means money! But also effort. What it might tell you is that it is not only a good season now we want more next season and Mo is convinced we can do so. So that is positive for us.

looks set to be the only major name who will depart Liverpool with his contract up this summer. The right-back is a product of the club's academy but is poised to leave for , who have remained in dialogue with the player over a move to Spain.

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