Gareth Bale has suggested that Mohamed Salah’s comments about his contract situation at Liverpool could be a tactic by club bosses to pay him more.
The 32-year-old is in the final year of his contract at Anfield and can speak to foreign clubs about a free transfer from January.
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Salah is believed to have interest from Saudi Arabia ahead of a possible move in 2025.
It remains to be seen whether the Egypt international will commit to his future at Liverpool following the club’s 3-2 win at Southampton.
He revealed that he has not yet been offered a new contract by the Merseyside side and that he is “probably more out than in” when discussing his future.
His confession led to him being branded “selfish” by Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher.
However, Real Madrid icon Bale believes Salah has spoken openly about his future to force Liveprool to pay him what he believes he is worth.
The retired 35-year-old was part of TNT Sports’ expert team at his former employer’s Champions League clash against Liverpool at Anfield, which the Reds won 2-0.
Ahead of Wednesday night’s clash, Bale was asked by presenter Laura Woods whether Salah’s contract situation would impact the Reds.
Reflecting on his own experiences and whether players talk about their teammates’ contract negotiations in the locker room, he said, “No, not really.”
“We never bring these things into conversation, it’s always about training or just talking about general life.”
“So I can’t imagine this affecting anyone.
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“It will be up to the people upstairs to deal with him [Salah’s] Agent.
“I’m sure he’s just making noise to get a bit more money, to be honest!”
Amused by his honest reaction, Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand asked: “Have you ever done that?”
To which Bale quipped: “Well, you know…”
Salah has been Liverpool’s standout player this season. The winger contributed ten goals and six assists in twelve Premier League games.
A key reason the club are eight points clear at the top is that Salah has been directly involved in a goal in ten games in the top flight.