Liverpool are reportedly taking decisive action regarding Mohamed Salah's future after the Egyptian forward publicly criticized manager Arne Slot and suggested he was being unfairly treated by the club. The fallout stems from Liverpool's recent 3-3 draw with Leeds United, a match where Salah remained an unused substitute for the entirety of the game. This marked his third consecutive match without a starting role, a situation that appears to have triggered the star's discontent.
In a post-match interview, Salah, 33, expressed his frustration, stating that he felt "thrown under the bus" by Liverpool and implied a breakdown in his relationship with Slot. He further claimed that promises made to him over the summer had not been kept, fueling speculation about his long-term future at Anfield. "Sitting on the bench, I don't know why, it seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That's how I feel it," Salah reportedly said. He also hinted at a potential departure, saying he would "say goodbye to the fans" before leaving for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The immediate consequence of Salah's outburst is his reported exclusion from Liverpool's squad for their crucial Champions League match against Inter Milan. According to multiple reports, the decision to leave Salah out of the squad was made by both Slot and the club's board, signaling a firm stance from the club's hierarchy. While some reports suggest the decision is not viewed as a disciplinary action, it is undoubtedly a response to Salah's public criticism and perceived undermining of the manager.
Salah's discontent comes despite signing a lucrative two-year contract extension in April, reportedly worth around £400,000 a week. However, his recent comments suggest a growing disillusionment with his role at the club and the direction under Slot. He has scored 190 Premier League goals, and his 89 assists rank second only to Steven Gerrard for Liverpool. Salah's contribution has been immense since joining Liverpool in 2017, scoring 250 goals in 420 appearances. However, his form has dipped this season, with just four goals and two assists in 13 Premier League matches.
The timing of this internal conflict is particularly sensitive, as Liverpool enters a critical phase of the season. The club is under pressure to perform well in the Champions League and maintain a strong position in the Premier League. Salah's absence will undoubtedly impact the team's chances in the short term.
Looking ahead, Salah's future at Liverpool remains uncertain. His recent comments have reignited speculation about a potential move to the Saudi Pro League, with clubs like Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal reportedly interested in securing his services. Prior to signing his extension, Salah admitted to speaking with Saudi Pro League clubs. The January transfer window could provide an opportunity for a potential transfer, depending on how Liverpool and Salah resolve their differences.
Within the Liverpool dressing room, Salah's outburst was not entirely unexpected. Some teammates reportedly noticed a change in his mood after Slot informed him he would be benched against Leeds. While Salah commands respect within the team, he is said to have few close friends, adding another layer to the complex situation. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Salah can reconcile with Slot and the club, or whether he will seek a new chapter in his illustrious career.
