Mo Salah's close friend Dejan Lovren lifts lid on Liverpool contract stand-off and why it's not been signed

Mohamed Salah's close friend Dejan Lovren has revealed his thoughts on the Liverpool star's contract stand-off amid intense transfer speculation.

Salah is out of contract in the summer, with the 32-year-old yet to sign a new deal at Anfield.

Fellow Liverpool stars Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold are also out of contract at the end of the season.

Naturally, the Liverpool trio have been the subject of intense transfer speculation.

Salah continues to be linked with a move to Saudi Arabia following Al Ittihad's unsuccessful pursuit of the star forward in 2023.

Lovren, who played with the Egyptian for six years at Liverpool, believes his old side have not shown his good pal enough respect throughout their discussions over a new deal.

"Salah believes that there are things missing from the club's side, and I hope it will be resolved soon. But the current reality is that he is closer to leaving than staying," he told WinWin.

"I came to the conclusion that the club doesn't respect him enough, or not as much as he thinks he deserves, but that's another side of the conversation, it's all about what's going on behind the scenes.

"He loves Liverpool, by the way he loves Liverpool a lot, and he wants to stay, and that's the most important part, maybe he sees himself retiring there."

Dejan Lovren has backed Mohamed Salah amid his contract stand-off with Liverpool. Image: Getty

Asked whether a move to the Middle East could be Salah's next career move, Lovren replied: "If he leaves, yes, why not?! As you know, the Saudi league is starting to become more competitive.

"I think if Mo goes there, he will be one of the biggest stars, and it will be a huge marketing boom for the league, and he will definitely attract some fans with him, so let's wait and see what happens."

Salah has been at Liverpool since 2017 following his transfer from AS Roma.

He's enjoyed a prolific and trophy-laden career with the Reds, scoring 237 goals for the club.

Despite being in his 30s, he is showing no signs of slowing down as he has 26 goals across all competitions to his name this season.