Liverpool are navigating a summer of transition under new head coach Andoni Iraola, who faces the daunting task of replacing the club's talisman, Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian forward announced his departure at the end of last season, and despite the dismissal of Arne Slot—with whom Salah reportedly had a strained relationship—a return to Anfield appears unlikely.
Salah's Future Clarified by Former Teammate
Dejan Lovren, who played alongside Salah at Liverpool, has dashed hopes of a U-turn. Speaking to WinWin, the Croatian said: "No, it's over. Mo has a big personality too. I don't know, if they hadn't announced all of that, all the details of leaving, saying thank you and goodbye and saying goodbye, maybe yes, but now it's difficult."
Lovren added that Salah would have stayed had he known Slot would leave sooner: "Yes, he would have stayed 100 per cent. Believe me, he would have stayed 100 per cent, I know that. But the timing was bad." He emphasised Salah's enduring quality, stating: "Only a fool would say we no longer need him. Only a fool would say that. I mean, to say you don't need Mohamed Salah at Liverpool, when he can still perform at the highest level for another two or three years, then we have a problem understanding football."
Darwin Nunez Eyes Anfield Comeback
Meanwhile, former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is reportedly keen on a return to the club. The Uruguayan joined Al-Hilal for £46.3 million in 2025 but has struggled in Saudi Arabia, being dropped from the squad in February after Karim Benzema's arrival. According to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Nunez would welcome a Merseyside comeback.
However, competition is fierce, with Xabi Alonso's Chelsea showing interest, alongside Barcelona and Newcastle United. Nunez joined Liverpool from Benfica in 2022 for an initial £64 million, scoring 40 goals in 143 appearances. Upon leaving, he said: "Liverpool will always be part of who I am. I'll miss you more than words can say."
As Iraola prepares for the new season, the futures of both Salah and Nunez remain key talking points for Liverpool supporters.
