Mohamed Salah's future at Liverpool is uncertain after a public falling out with manager Arne Slot, casting a shadow over the team as they prepare for a crucial Champions League match against Inter Milan. The Egyptian forward's outburst followed Liverpool's 3-3 draw with Leeds United, a game where he was an unused substitute for the second time in three matches.
Salah, 33, has accused the club of using him as a scapegoat for recent poor results, stating that he felt "thrown under the bus". He also claimed that his relationship with Slot has completely broken down and that promises made to him over the summer have not been kept. "I said many times before that I had a good relationship with the manager and all of a sudden, we don't have any relationship," Salah said. "I don't know why, but it seems to me, how I see it, that someone doesn't want me in the club".
Slot has defended his decision to leave Salah out of the starting lineup, insisting it was a tactical choice. However, Salah's absence from the team and his subsequent comments have fueled speculation about his future at Anfield. With the January transfer window approaching, rumors have resurfaced linking Salah with a move to the Saudi Pro League. Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal are reportedly interested in signing the Liverpool star, who was the subject of a rejected £150 million bid from Al-Ittihad in 2023.
The immediate concern for Liverpool is their Champions League tie against Inter Milan. It remains to be seen whether Slot will include Salah in the squad for the trip to Italy. The manager is expected to face questions about the situation at a press conference before the game. Salah is due to join up with the Egypt squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) next week, but it is uncertain whether he will play in Liverpool's next two matches against Inter Milan and Brighton. The game against Brighton could potentially be his last for Liverpool.
Salah signed a new two-year contract with Liverpool in April, keeping him at the club until 2027. However, his recent outburst suggests he may be open to a move. "I thought I was going to renew here and end my career here, but this is not according to the plan," Salah said. "I'm not regretting signing for the club for sure".
The situation has divided opinion among former Liverpool players. Jason McAteer believes Salah has been "hung out to dry" by Slot, but that his public criticism was ill-advised. The former midfielder suggested it should have been addressed behind closed doors.
Liverpool's hierarchy has reportedly discussed the situation but is keen to avoid inflaming matters with a public response. Slot retains the backing of the club, who face a tough decision on how to handle the situation. The manager must decide how to manage the situation and whether to include Salah in his plans moving forward.
