Expert: Liverpool made contract mistake that Sir Alex Ferguson wouldn't have made at Man United
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(Credit: Imago) Liverpool: ‘Sir Alex Ferguson never would have done what Anfield bosses did with Mohamed Salah’ Thu 2 April 2026 18:00, UK Liverpool have been told they must learn from their decision to hand Mohamed Salah a bumper new contract last season as he closes in on a move away.After what was a record-breaking season for the 33-year-old, he was handed a new contract which included a significant wage boost to prevent him leaving for free.Just 12 months later, he is set to walk away from Anfield after reaching an agreement with the club in the wake of what has been a massively disappointing year.Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Liverpool made a mistake handing Salah the new deal and should have allowed him to leave.While easy to say with the benefit of hindsight, the Reds have been urged to learn from the situation after what has come as a massive transfer blow for Liverpool. ✈️ Liverpool Transfer News ✈️ Breaking news on deals in progress, latest signings, departures, and contract news from the Anfield boardroom. VISIT THE TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Football Insider revealed on 27 March that Salah is likely to move to Saudi Arabia this summer, after Liverpool worked so hard to block the move in 2025.Brown referred to Man United legend Sir Alex Ferguson, with whom he worked closely, as an example of knowing the best time to move his players on.Mohamed Salah Stats2024-252025-26Appearances5234Starts5029Minutes Played45012685Goals3410Assists239Trent Alexander-Arnold was reluctantly allowed to leave Liverpool, for example, but has struggled since joining Real Madrid with that move ultimately working in the Reds’ favour.“It’s always a hugely difficult decision to make,” Brown told Football Insider.“Of course, the first instinct is we want to keep this player around because he’s one of our best, but often these situations aren’t as simple as that.“You have to factor in their age, how they’re working in the team, what the manager wants from them, which other options are available.“We’ve seen before many times, players sign big new contracts and all of a sudden their form isn’t what it was when they were playing for that deal.“Interest from elsewhere might turn their head or whatever happens, and all of a sudden the massive amount of money you’ve forked out for them looks silly.“It’s not exactly as simple as that with Salah, but Liverpool gave him a big new contract on a massive wage and just one year later he’s going to leave for free.“One thing Alex Ferguson always did at Man United was, he knew when it was time for players to move on.
“Even with Cristiano Ronaldo, he was so important to the way United played that season, but he recognised that it was the right time to cash in and let him go.“Liverpool have to learn from this situation with Salah, and it’s similar with Van Dijk too, and they have to know the right time to let players move on.”Who could Liverpool sign to replace Salah?Despite the financial blow of Salah’s imminent departure, Liverpool are keen to move on and have already set their sights on a number of potential replacements.Football Insider revealed on 28 March that Michael Olise is a top target for Liverpool, who have been long-term admirers of the France international.Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking MediaThe 24-year-old is enjoying an outstanding season in the Bundesliga and is viewed as the ideal replacement for Salah ahead of the summer transfer window.The France international proved himself in the Premier League during his time with Crystal Palace, and could make a return to England with Slot’s side.However, Bayern Munich are understood to be very reluctant to see their star man leave and will likely block any approaches from Liverpool in the near future. 🔴 Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Liverpool Insider Access Get the full story from Anfield and the AXA Training Centre with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Merseyside.