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Heskey observed that players above 30 years of age are struggling to attract new contracts in recent times in the Premier League and cited the example of Salah whose future at Liverpool is hanging by a thread amid talks of a potential return to Europe…Read More
Cristiano Ronaldo (Agencies)
Former Liverpool forward Emile Heskey has warned Cristiano Ronaldo of the potential challenges of playing in Europe in the twilight phase of his career. Speculations have been rife about Ronaldo’s future at Al Nassr. His contract with the Saudi Arabian club is set to expire in six months. Many feel that Ronaldo may again shift his base to Europe if the Al Nassr hierarchy doesn’t extend his stay in Riyadh.
Heskey, however, reckons the Portuguese superstar should not take that decision as it could haunt him in the future. The Englishman has observed that players above 30 years of age are struggling to attract new contracts in recent times. He cited the example of Mohamed Salah whose future at Liverpool is hanging by a thread.
Similar to Ronaldo, Salah also has only six months left in his current deal with the Reds. Despite his commendable performance this season, Liverpool have not yet confirmed anything about his handing Salah a contract extension. If the matter is not settled soon, Salah is likely to leave the Premier League club in the next summer transfer window.
Heskey referred to Salah’s contract situation while discussing Ronaldo’s future at Al Nassr. “I can’t see him (Ronaldo) coming back to Europe unless someone thinks it’s more of a commercial deal than anything else,” the ex-England international told Instant Casino, as per Goal.
“Coming back to Europe, players who are 30 and doing really well are struggling to get new contracts, Mo Salah is the biggest name, so I don’t think he’ll come back to Europe. But I still think he could do a job, absolutely,” he added.
Liverpool have reportedly started exploring the transfer market to find a permanent replacement for Salah. The Egyptian forward has registered 21 goals and 17 assists across all competitions in the 2024-25 season. As per reports, Salah has been approached by several Saudi Pro League outfits including Al Hilal who are looking for a replacement for Neymar.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo is currently enjoying a short winter break. The Al Nassr captain will return to action when his team clashes against Al-Akhdoud in a Saudi Pro League fixture on Thursday, January 9.
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