Mohamed Salah has ignited a firestorm of speculation surrounding his future at Liverpool, declaring he feels "thrown under the bus" by the club. The Egyptian star's comments came after Liverpool's disappointing 3-3 draw against Leeds United, a match where he remained an unused substitute. This marks the third consecutive game where Salah has found himself on the bench, a situation he describes as unprecedented in his Liverpool career.
"I could not believe I was sitting on the bench for 90 minutes," Salah told reporters after the game. "That's the third time... It's the first time in my career, I think". He expressed deep disappointment, stating, "I have done so much for this club over the years, especially last season. It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That's how I feel".
Salah, 33, has been an iconic figure at Anfield since his arrival in 2017, winning two Premier League titles and scoring 250 goals in all competitions. However, his recent form has been under scrutiny, with some observers noting a decline in his explosiveness and dribbling ability. While he managed 34 goals and 18 assists last season, his contributions this term have been perceived as less impactful.
The forward also alluded to unfulfilled promises made by the club during the summer. "Someone wants me to get all the blame," Salah stated. "The club promised me a lot in summer. Now I'm on bench, so I can say they haven't kept those promises".
Manager Arne Slot's decision to drop Salah has fueled debate about the player's role and future at Liverpool. While Slot maintains that Salah remains central to his plans, the reality of him watching from the bench speaks volumes. "He is always in my mind to either start or to come off the bench," Slot said, attempting to downplay any major rift.
The situation has prompted Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk to emphasize the need for high standards across the team. Salah's current average of a goal every 280 minutes represents a stark contrast to his 117-minute average in the previous title-winning campaign.
Salah's outburst has inevitably sparked speculation about a potential move away from Liverpool. Interest from Saudi Arabian clubs remains a persistent factor, although a previous £150 million bid was reportedly rejected in 2023. Any future offer would likely be lower given Salah's age, but the financial power of Saudi clubs is undeniable.
Adding fuel to the fire, Salah hinted that the upcoming match against Brighton might be his last at Anfield. "I don't know what to say," he said, suggesting a potential departure in the January transfer window.
Liverpool faces a delicate situation. They have a legendary goalscorer under contract until 2027, but his recent benching raises questions about his future role. Selling Salah could potentially fund a significant squad rebuild, but it would also mean losing a player who has contributed immensely to the club's success.
For now, Salah's immediate task is to fight for his place under Slot and regain his form. He is also expected to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on December 15. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Salah can resolve his differences with the club and reclaim his status as an indispensable member of the Liverpool squad.
