Champions League final: Mohamed Salah is at Liverpool for the long-term, says Michael Owen

The former Liverpool and Real man can't see the winger swapping Anfield for the Bernabeu any time soon

Michael Owen believes Mohamed Salah is at Liverpool “for the long-term” and would have the Egyptian in his side over Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, who awaits Salah and his team-mates in the Champions League final.

A veteran of both Liverpool and Madrid, Owen will watch this year’s end-of-season showpiece in Kiev as part of BT Sport’s coverage and will keep a keen eye on Salah, who is already threatening his Anfield scoring record.

Owen plundered 158 goals in 297 appearances during his eight years at Liverpool, his boyhood club, but he never once matched the single-season figures Salah has posted this year.

The Egyptian has 44 Liverpool goals to his name so far, having arrived on Merseyside from Roma last summer. At this rate, he will pass Owen’s tally after three-and-a-half seasons at the club, with a year-and-a-half remaining on his current contract.

“He’s just had a quite brilliant season, an amazing season,” Owen said. “He’s obviously been an outstanding signing. Even though he cost £37m, you would still say he has been one of the best pieces of business of all time. You could add £100m plus onto his value. He’s just been a staggering return on investment.”

The former England international eventually swapped Anfield for the Santiago Bernabeu in 2004 and reports have tentatively suggested that Salah could eventually do the same. Owen, however, does not foresee the Egyptian following in his footsteps and thinks Liverpool will retain Salah’s services until well into his prime.

“The best thing about it is – in my humble opinion – is that he is at his end game as well,” he said. “He is not a [Luis] Suarez that has got that Latin influence where they are drawn towards Barcelona and Real Madrid – the head-turning clubs.

“Where he is from, where he has grown up, I think Liverpool was his ideal destination when he was in Italy and I think he actually adores the club and he is there to stay. There is no point looking at figures or anything else, I think he is at Liverpool for the long-term.”

Salah is a genuine rival to Ronaldo for this year’s Ballon d’Or and the result of Saturday’s final may have a significant bearing on who claims the coveted prize.

Owen is a former Ballon d’Or winner himself and if forced to pick between the pair when selecting his own hypothetical line-up, he would take the Liverpool winger.

Owen sees Salah as a genuine challenge to Ronaldo for the Ballon d’Or (Getty ) (Getty)

“On this season’s form, I would probably go Salah,” he said, though he would like to see Salah maintain this level of performance in order to become an Anfield great.

“If he was playing for an ordinary team, he’d be a great already but for Liverpool and you compare him with the likes of Dalglish, Rush and great players beyond and in recent times, the likes of Suarez and I suppose you have got to do it for a little bit longer.”

When it comes to the outcome of Saturday’s final though, Owen finds the choice between two of his former clubs more difficult.

“I went on record saying Madrid are going to win Champions League at the outset. As the competition has gone on, we have all been saying Liverpool are a dangerous cup team, they can beat anybody. I think it’s the toss of a coin,” he said.

Owen believes Salah will be at Liverpool for the long-term (Getty)

“As much as they are favourites, I’m sure Madrid are going to look at it and wish they were playing some other team. But Madrid are the most savvy team on this planet.

“They have got experience, been there, seen it all and are not over the top yet. I wouldn’t be surprised if Liverpool banged two or three in. On the other hand Madrid are wily old foxes and could snuff out Liverpool.

“My heart goes for Liverpool, if I had to say there could be an upset. Gun to head I’d favour Liverpool. They suit one off games against good teams. Could be wrong.

“You have to expect goals, both teams score regularly. It will either suit Liverpool’s style or Madrid will have too much experience. I’m going for Liverpool with a few goals.”