The key factor that could ultimately determine Mohamed Salah’s contract dispute with Liverpool.

Mohamed Salah’s latest goalscoring milestone may have surprised some, but not the Egyptian forward himself.

Salah was fully aware of the significance of surpassing Liverpool legend Billy Liddell to claim fourth place on the club’s all-time scoring list with 229 goals. While Ian Rush’s record of 346 goals remains out of reach, Salah now has Gordon Hodgson, third on the list with 241 goals, firmly in his sights.

Hodgson, who was Liverpool’s top scorer before Roger Hunt took the mantle in the 1960s, represents a key target for Salah as he aims to etch his name permanently into Anfield history. Determined to leave a lasting legacy, Salah is eager to stay at Liverpool and challenge Hunt’s tally of 285 goals, further solidifying his status as one of the club’s greatest players.

With no major tournaments like the World Cup next summer, Salah believes he has the perfect opportunity to continue breaking records. Already the first Premier League player to record 10 goals and 10 assists before Christmas, he has also endeared himself to fans by openly addressing the ongoing contract negotiations.

Behind the scenes, Liverpool are quietly engaging with Salah’s agent, Ramy Abbas, but disagreements remain over the length and value of a new deal. Salah, who turns 33 in June, seeks a contract that reflects his worth, but Liverpool’s policy is to avoid offering multi-year deals to players of his age. Instead, any agreement would likely include performance-based incentives to safeguard the club against potential injuries or a dip in form.

Fenway Sports Group’s cautious approach is rooted in their successful track record of key decisions over the past several years. While players like Georginio Wijnaldum and Sadio Mane left due to unmet contract demands, their careers have faltered since departing Anfield.

FSG remains committed to their pay structure and is unlikely to make an exception for Salah, even as he chases more records. Fans hoping for a major policy shift may be disappointed, as the club prioritizes long-term stability over short-term sentiment.