Mohamed Salah is set to leave Liverpool this summer, but several factors could persuade the forward to dramatically reverse his decision. The 33-year-old is currently poised to bring his nine-year stint at Anfield to a close, with the Reds reaffirming his exit in the club's retained list.
The situation seemed much different a year ago, after Salah's 29 goals helped propel Arne Slot's side to the Premier League title in the manager's first season in charge. The Egypt international's contract was due to run until 2027, but in March it was confirmed that his deal would end early.
As things stand, Salah is set to depart Liverpool as a true legend this summer. However, until he settles on his next club after the World Cup, there are three compelling reasons why Salah might have a change of heart. The first indication of Salah's forthcoming exit came when the winger was left out of the starting line-up in December. During a brutally honest post-match interview, Salah said: 'It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus.'
He also suggested that his rapport with Slot had deteriorated, though the two would subsequently reach a truce. If his working relationship with the manager played a part in Salah's surprising decision to leave Liverpool, Slot's replacement Andoni Iraola presents the forward with the chance to be involved in a fresh chapter.
In May, Salah demanded a significant stylistic shift in a social media post: 'I want to see Liverpool go back to being the heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear and back to being a team that wins trophies. That is the football I know how to play and that is the identity that needs to be recovered and kept for good.' It's yet to be determined whether Iraola can meet Salah's expectations but the manager has previously impressed Jurgen Klopp. While Slot faced criticism for his side's defensive mindset last season, the incoming Liverpool boss is recognised for a more attacking style and is also prepared to embrace individual flair, which could resonate with Salah.
