Mohamed Salah's future is once again uncertain after he was advised to abandon Liverpool for a Chelsea comeback. Salah is now a free agent following his exit from the Reds after a fractious final campaign at Anfield, which saw him clash with former manager Arne Slot.
Salah's Current Situation
The 33-year-old has been linked with moves to Saudi Arabia and Turkey, and potentially even a return to Liverpool, now that Slot has been succeeded by Andoni Iraola. For the time being, he is concentrating on the World Cup with Egypt, who kick off their tournament against Belgium on Monday.
It is not the first occasion Salah's future has been uncertain. At Liverpool, there were instances of tension even prior to Slot's arrival.
Didier Drogba's Advice
In 2021, Salah was embroiled in a contract standoff with the Reds that was eventually settled with a new deal. Before that fresh agreement was signed, Chelsea icon Didier Drogba was questioned about his future, with the Ivorian encouraging Salah to rejoin the Blues, where he had a spell before Roma and Liverpool.
Drogba told Al-Axis TV: "If I am selfish, I will tell Salah to leave Liverpool and return to Chelsea. My opinion is that Salah will remain the best, no matter if he continues at Liverpool or if he moves."
"Any other team would perform better [with him] because he understands what he is doing, is good at scoring and creating goals, and only needs the confidence of the coach. I do not know what his decision would be. This is his decision alone and his future, but wherever he goes, I will be one of his fans."
Potential Return to Liverpool
Five years later, there are indications that Salah may be receptive to a return to Anfield following Slot's exit. Liverpool's hierarchy opted to part ways with the Dutchman amid a belief that the squad requires a shift towards a more aggressive, proactive and high-intensity style of play.
This mirrors the sentiments Salah expressed in a social media post last month, in which he called for a return to the "heavy metal football" played under Jurgen Klopp.
Andoni Iraola's Appointment
Iraola emerged as Liverpool's primary target after steering Bournemouth to finishes of 12th, ninth and sixth in the Premier League, delivering an appealing brand of attacking, high-tempo football that supporters have long been clamouring for.
