The summer of 2021 presented a massive transfer window for football fans. Paris Saint-Germain assembling a ‘super team’ of Gigi Donnarumma, Sergio Ramos, Georginio Wijnaldum and Achraf Hakimi capped by the signing of Lionel Messi, meanwhile Manchester United ensured the return of Cristiano Ronaldo to Old Trafford as rumours of a City transfer were at large.
In a similar fashion, the summer of 2022 too looks promising with a number of players having their contracts running down. The star name would be PSG’s Kylian Mbappe whose dream move to Real Madrid could finally become a reality. The list also includes the likes of Paul Pogba, Paulo Dybala, Antonio Rudiger.
There is a peculiarity with the idea of a free transfer in football where the decisive moment that leads to a future change of scene often takes place not during the transfer window rather at some point in the past season or two.
Players often want to improve the terms of their contracts and when multiple talks fail with their clubs, they seek out suitors through free agency.
A similar situation seems to be slowly developing in the case of Liverpool star man Mohamed Salah, as reports emerged earlier this week that the Egyptian had turned down a second contract extension offer from the Reds.
Salah has repeatedly stated that his priority has always been to stay at Liverpool however, he also seeks that the club compensates him aptly for his efforts on the pitch.
Liverpool’s board are reluctant to reward their best player with what he wants as it would put the club’s wage structure in jeopardy.
The attacker’s belief has been backed up by another footballer as Bayern’s Alphonso Davies gave his verdict on the situation. The left-back put it as simply as “give the man his money” on his Twitch stream on Saturday.
Alphonso Davies on Salah‘s situation at Liverpool. I think Liverpool fans can agree with him pic.twitter.com/NFdQP1UO1y
— Deniz (@MusialaEra) March 12, 2022
A few Liverpool fans have not found the Bayern man’s take in good faith and have seen it as unnecessary meddling in “their” business.
One particular fan has asked Davies to focus on his own club which (as per the fan) has had to accommodate striker Lewandowski’s wages by destroying the wage structure at the club.
Coincidentally, Lewandowski’s contract situation is a tricky juncture with the forward unhappy with the current terms.
Doesn’t he know well enough about wage demand issues at his very own club after they broke the wage structure for Lewandowski? Focus on yourself mate
— Ayush (@Ifcayush) March 12, 2022
Despite this Davies has definitely found favour with the majority of Liverpool supporters for putting to words exactly what they all want their club to do as well.
In situations including players much loved like Salah, the renewal is not a simple business exercise where emotions can be kept apart by the club, the player or the fans.
Thus, although Davies’ comments while in good humour, might not be the most practical solution for the club it is certainly the best scenario wished by all the parties involved.
