The spectre of a January departure for Mohamed Salah is looming over Anfield, with pundit Jamie Redknapp suggesting the Egyptian superstar could be on his way out. This follows manager Arne Slot's decision to start the forward on the bench for Liverpool's last two Premier League fixtures.
The Bench Role and Redknapp's Warning
From the substitutes' bench, Mohamed Salah has watched Liverpool grind out a win at West Ham and a home draw against Sunderland. While the team secured four points, the performances were far from electrifying. The decision to drop Salah initially came after Liverpool's heavy 4-0 defeat to PSV Eindhoven at Anfield, where his role in one of the goals was heavily criticised.
Slot has stated that Salah accepted the demotion with total professionalism. However, the insightful comments from former Red and well-connected analyst Jamie Redknapp have cast a new light on the situation. After the Sunderland draw, Redknapp stated: "He will feel let down and… even blamed for what is going on. I will be amazed if he sees out the last two years of his contract."
The Financial Temptation vs. Sporting Need
This creates a significant dilemma for the Liverpool hierarchy. With Salah turning 34 in June, a substantial offer from a Saudi Arabian club, most likely Al Hilal, could arrive in January. A conservative estimate values the remaining cost of his contract at around £31 million, so a bid in the region of £70 million would represent a major financial gain for the club to reinvest.
Yet, from a purely footballing perspective, sanctioning a sale mid-season would be a severe misstep. Liverpool face a battle for a top-four finish and will be involved in the Champions League knockout stages after the January window. To enter those crucial contests without the current Footballer of the Year, a proven game-changer, would be a reckless gamble.
What Happens Next for Salah and Slot?
All signs point to Salah being restored to the starting line-up for Liverpool's next match against Leeds United. His track record suggests he remains a phenomenal attacking force, and a player of his calibre typically responds emphatically to such challenges.
The underlying issue, however, is that Salah is believed to not view these breaks from the starting XI as beneficial, despite his remarkable appearance record over the years. If the club signals a willingness to cash in, his pride would likely compel him to seek an exit.
The prudent course for Liverpool is clear: reassess the situation in the summer. While Redknapp is correct that "everything comes to an end," the end of Salah's influential tenure at Anfield has not yet arrived. To force it in January would be an act of footballing madness, undermining their season's ambitions for a short-term financial boost.
