Egypt's Salah coy over Basel future, El-Neny to stay

Basel's Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah coy over speculation linking him with a summer move, compatriot El-Neny says he will stay with the Swiss side next season

Egypt's in-form forward Mohamed Salah said he has yet to receive any offers to leave Basel in the summer while compatriot Mohamed El-Neny committed his future to the Swiss side after they were knocked out of the Europa League semis at the hands of Chelsea on Thursday.
Salah, who has been a revelation at Basel since joining from Egypt's Arab Contractors last summer, put his side ahead with a neat finish at the Stamford Bridge but Chelsea stormed back to claim a 3-1 victory that lifted them to the Europa League final with a 5-2 aggregate win.
He latched onto a defence-splitting pass from Valentin Stocker on the stroke of halftime to beat the offside trap and curl a shot beyond Petr Cech, who earlier denied him in another one-on-one.
Salah's impressive form in his debut season in Switzerland has fuelled speculation that he could leave Basel for another challenge when the season ends. However, he said he was focused on helping Basel claim the domestic double.
“Playing in such a competition [Europa League] is a very good experience for me and El-Neny, we are still young and we do need to gain experience,” Salah said in a pitch-side interview with Al-Jazeera Sports channel.
“I don't want to think about anything else now; my primary focus is to help Basel win the league and the cup, after which I can think about the next step.”
Asked whether he had received any offers to depart in the summer, Salah said: “No, nothing so far. I hope something good will come up.”
The 20-year-old, who has become a key member of Egypt's squad under American coach Bob Bradley, has scored eight goals in 40 appearances in all competitions since joining Basel. The pacy winger was also acclaimed for his ability to dish out assists.
His poor finishing is the only blot on his copybook as he missed numerous chances when clean through on goal.
Fellow Egyptian international Mohamed El-Neny also made his mark, having established himself as a key player in the heart of Basel's midfield, thanks to his precise and efficient passes.
El-Neny, who joined from Arab Contractors on a six-month loan deal last January, said he has agreed to pen a permanent contract with Basel.
“Basel informed me that I will remain here next season. They will officially open talks with Arab Contractors on Friday, and everything should be settled,” he said.
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