Will he or won't he? This was the question on Liverpool fans' mind as they fretted over whether their Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah would continue to stay in the club's colours or go somewhere else as was rumoured.

In the event, the fans can rejoice now as Salah officially committed his future to the club by signing a new contract. The deal, which extends his stay until 2027, puts an end to months of conjecture that he might be headed to some other European club.

At 32, Salah is talismanic to Liverpool and has been the star guiding the Reds to what looks like a record-equalling EPL title this season. This season alone, he has scored 27 goals in the Premier League and provided 17 assists, making him the league's top scorer and one of the most influential players in Europe. His consistency over the years has cemented his status as a Liverpool legend, with 243 goals in 394 appearances, placing him third on the club's all-time scoring list.

Salah provides much-needed stability for Liverpool as it transitions under manager Arne Slot. His experience and leadership will be invaluable for the younger players in the squad. With Salah leading the charge, Liverpool is well-positioned in EPL, currently holding an 11-point lead in the table. A record-tying 20th English top-flight title looks a real possibility.

Salah being retained comes at a financial commitment to the club --- his reported weekly wage is pegged around €400,000. His marketability and global fan base also make him a valuable asset off the pitch. Salah expressed his excitement about the new contract, stating, "I signed because I believe we can win a lot of big trophies together. Keep supporting us, and we’ll give it our best to bring more silverware to Anfield".

Salah's presence ensures Liverpool remains competitive, but it also raises questions about the long-term strategy. The club may need to groom a successor to gradually take over his role, ensuring a smooth transition when the time comes.

But that is a story for another day.