Gareth Bale has suggested Mohamed Salah’s comments regarding his contract situation at Liverpool could be a tactic for club chiefs to pay him more.
The 32-year-old is in the final year of his deal at Anfield and is free to speak to foreign clubs over a free transfer from January.
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Salah is believed to have interest from Saudi Arabia ahead of a potential move in 2025.
It remains to be seen whether the Egypt international will commit to his future at Liverpool following comments he made after the club’s 3-2 win at Southampton.
He revealed he is yet to be offered a new deal by the Merseyside outfit, and is ‘probably more out than in’ when discussing his future.
His admission led to him being branded as ‘selfish’ by Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher.
However Real Madrid icon Bale believes Salah may have been open about his future in an attempt to force Liveprool to pay him what he feels he is worth.
The retired 35-year-old was part of TNT Sports’ punditry team for his former employers’ Champions League clash with Liverpool at Anfield, which the Reds went on to win 2-0.
Prior to Wednesday night’s clash, Bale was asked by host Laura Woods whether Salah’s contract situation will affect the Reds.
Reflecting on his own experience and whether players discuss their teammates’ contract talks in the dressing room, he said: “No, not really.
“We never kind of bring those things into conversation, it’s always about training or you’re just talking about general life.
“So I can’t imagine that’s going to affect anybody.
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“It’ll be for people upstairs to sort out with his [Salah’s] agent.
“I’m sure he’s just making noise to try and get a bit more money to be honest!”
Amused by his honest reaction, Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand asked: “Did you ever do that?”
To which Bale quipped: “Well, you know…”
Salah has been Liverpool’s standout player this season, with the winger chipping in with ten goals and six assists in 12 Premier League matches.
A major part of why the club are eight points clear at the top, Salah has been directly involved in a top-flight goal in ten fixtures.
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