Liverpool’s owners Fenway Sports Group have always been reluctant to offer lucrative contracts to players over the age of 30. But the case of Mohamed Salah could change their perspective. The Egyptian forward turns 30 in June and at that time he will have 12 months left on his current deal with the Reds.The African has frequently stressed it is not about the money but the rumour has it that the Premier League’s current leading scorer is looking for an improved contract in excess of 400,000-USD-a-week.His superior fitness and the form Salah is showing suggest he could continue at the highest level for at least several more years.Fabinho wins it for the poor Liverpool in BurnleyHis manager at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp, believes clubs can still capitalize on keeping players who are into their mid-30s. Such an approach could offer hope of a resolution to Salah’s contract back-and-forth.”One or two years ago the first three players of the Ballon d’Or, apart from Salah who is slightly younger, were all 34 or older,” Klopp said when asked whether players reach their peak later in their careers.Sat 18:00: (1.15) Liverpool (8.50) Norwich (15.0)Salah will be the last of Liverpool’s famed attacking trio to turn 30. Sadio Mane follows in April while Roberto Firmino turns 31 in October – all three will see their contracts expire in 16 months.”Lewandowski is 33, then Messi and Ronaldo [are] 34 and 37 and if you are lucky enough to get through a career without major injuries you can play long.”There is no peak mid-20s. The massive advantage of early 30s, mid-30s is the player can see things in the right way having learned in his career.”He can use that and he can be an even better player than he was a few years before and that is the plan with all of them. There is no age roof.”For clubs it is different, they think ‘we won’t sign a 33-year-old because we cannot sell him any more’ but if the player is already in then it is outstanding to have him around because they have experience, desire and quality.”Wed 23:00: (3.35) Inter (3.50) Liverpool (2.25)One of the most beloved players in Liverpool’s dressing room is the English veteran, James Milner, who turned 36 last month and is also close to ending his current contract with the Reds. But Milner’s age is not something Klopp sees as an obstacle.”There is no chance Milly will retire next year, he is desperate to play on and I understand,” he said.”Life after your career, when you are lucky enough to stay healthy, is much longer than your career so you usually extend your career as long as you can if you can play football.”I think Milly will be fine after his career as well but he obviously loves what he is doing and he will play football next year, definitely.”Salah & Co are facing Inter Milan as part of the Champions League eight-finals tomorrow evening and all the players mentioned contributed immensely to Liverpool’s trophy lifting three years ago. Klopp cherishes their experience and hopes his team to power through against the tricky Nerazzurri.
