Mohamed Salah is undoubtedly a star both for Liverpool and in terms of world football, but uncertainty persists regarding his long-term future at Anfield.
The winger has been a Liverpool player since 2017, but there have been suggestions that he could soon end up leaving the club.
Here's an assessment of Salah's situation at Liverpool and what could be next for him, after he offered fans a tantalising update in the build-up to Saturday's Champions League final against Real Madrid.
While his 2021-22 campaign was a spectacular success, Salah did look to tire as the year went on, struggling for both club and country — by his world-class standards, at least — after the turn of the calendar year. Liverpool came up just short for the Premier League title, while Egypt fell in both the Africa Cup of Nations final and World Cup qualifying.
MORE: The Champions League Golden Boot race
When does Salah's contract end?
Salah's contract at Liverpool is set to expire on June 30, 2023 - putting Liverpool in a precarious position this summer.
He signed his most recent deal in July 2018, a year after he joined the club.
Coincidentally, Salah's Liverpool teammate Sadio Mane also sees his contract expire in the summer of 2023, meaning Liverpool have a big decision to make financially about whether the club can afford both, one, or neither of the two players long-term.
What has Salah said about his future?
Salah has stated that the situation is in Liverpool's hands and added that he isn't asking for an outrageous salary.
He told GQ Magazine earlier this year: "I want to stay, but it's not in my hands. It's in their hands. They know what I want. I'm not asking for crazy stuff.
"The thing is when you ask for something and they show you they can give you something. Because they appreciate what you did for the club.
"I've been here for my fifth year now. I know the club very well. I love the fans. The fans love me. But with the administration, they have [been] told the situation. It's in their hands."
Speaking three days before the Champions League final, he offered assurances that he would remain at Liverpool next season, irrespective of whether he puts pen to paper on a new deal.
"I don't focus on the contract at the moment. I don't want to be selfish," he said. "I am staying next season for sure."
What has Klopp said about Salah's contract?
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insists the week of a Champions League final is no time to discuss the futures of Salah and fellow forward Sadio Mane, who will also enter the final 12 months of his deal in June.
By the same token, Klopp does not think the result at the Stade de France will have any bearing on either player's future.
MORE: Liverpool sensation Salah is the best player in the world right now
"Will the result impact contract talks? No, not at all," he told reporters, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo. "If we win it, will they want to go? We are in talks with all the players. It is just not the moment to talk about everything.
"Has reaching the final interrupted talks? No, that would mean we would have to have negative talks, no. There is just not the time, we play every three days.
"The players have this idea, we have this idea, sometimes they match, sometimes we have to work together, but we have known each other for ages."
What are Salah's current wages?
Salah earns around £200,000 a week, which equates to £10.4million annually, according to the Guardian.
By comparison, the top earner at freshly minted Premier League champions Manchester City, Kevin De Bruyne, earns double that amount, according to the Mirror.
What wages has Salah been offered?
According to the Telegraph, Salah is demanding to double his current wages but as things stand Liverpool are unwilling to pay him such a significant sum.
Which clubs are linked with a move for Salah?
Barcelona and Real Madrid have both been tentatively linked with Salah, but at present there isn't any substantial information regarding what his destination would be, should he leave Liverpool.
Kylian Mbappe's decision to remain at Paris Saint-Germain as opposed to joining Madrid is expected to produce significant ripples across the European transfer market, impacting the plans of elite clubs.
Have Liverpool already signed Salah's replacement?
The Reds strengthened their frontline last season, bringing in Diogo Jota from Wolves, to great effect. The Portuguese settled in seamlessly and has linked up well with the likes of Salah and Sadio Mane.
In January of this season, Liverpool then brought in Luis Diaz from Porto, who has already caught the eye in his new surroundings. Diaz usually plays on the left wing, the opposite flank to Salah, but his presence would certainly help to lessen the blow should the Egyptian depart.
Liverpool can also call upon 19-year-old Harvey Elliott, who is extremely highly rated and can play on the right wing.
You, the fans, keep me going. You give me more strength than I think you’ll ever know. pic.twitter.com/HgNx8YbTtS
— Mohamed Salah (@MoSalah) September 18, 2021
Which trophies have Salah won in his career?
After winning two Swiss Super League titles with Basel, Salah has added considerably to his collection of medals since joining Liverpool.
Most notably, he won the Champions League in 2019 before lifting the Premier League the following year. In 2019, he also won the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup.
Salah completed his set in England with the League Cup and FA Cup this season, while he will surely be aiming for further Champions League glory. The opportunity to potentially test himself in Spain and win La Liga could also be appealing for the 29-year-old.