Mohamed Salah's Liverpool Future: Three Potential Paths for the Anfield Legend
Mohamed Salah has returned to Liverpool following his international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, yet persistent speculation continues to swirl around the Egyptian superstar's long-term future at Anfield. Earlier this season, the winger's position appeared precarious after a very public disagreement with manager Arne Slot, which led to his omission from the starting lineup. While the Dutch coach has since confirmed the pair have reconciled, the underlying uncertainty remains, particularly as Slot's Premier League results have failed to meet expectations.
January Transfer Window: An Unlikely but Possible Scenario
The rift between Salah and Slot became serious when the player was dropped for three consecutive matches, with Salah later accusing the club of "throwing him under the bus." This deterioration in his relationship with the manager saw him excluded from the squad for a crucial match against Inter Milan. Although Slot moved quickly to downplay the issue, stating there was "no issue to resolve" and that Salah was now "the same as any other player," the seeds of doubt were sown. When pressed on a potential January departure, Slot's cryptic response of "I think you already know the answer to that" leaves the door slightly ajar. While an immediate mid-season move is considered improbable, the volatile nature of football means it cannot be entirely discounted.
The Lure of Saudi Arabia: A Summer Move on the Horizon
Should Salah decide his time at Liverpool is coming to an end, a lucrative transfer to the Saudi Pro League emerges as the most probable alternative. The Reds famously rejected a monumental £150 million bid from Al-Ittihad in 2023, and interest from the Gulf state has persisted. Reports from December 2025 indicated that a move to Saudi Arabia had not been ruled out, with clubs like Al Hilal also previously registering their admiration. It is believed, however, that Saudi teams would require a clear indication of the player's willingness to move before formalising any offer. Salah appeared close to such a move last summer before signing a contract extension in April 2025, tying him to Liverpool until 2027. Any serious approach is now increasingly likely to materialise in the upcoming summer transfer window, ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Seeing Out His Contract: The Anfield Legacy Option
Currently, Mohamed Salah is contracted to Liverpool until the summer of 2027, earning a reported £350,000 per week. By the time this deal expires, the forward will be approaching 35 years of age, potentially contemplating retirement. The immense affection and unwavering support from the Liverpool fanbase could be a decisive factor in persuading him to honour this contract and potentially conclude his illustrious career at Anfield. This path would allow him to cement his legacy as a modern-day great for the club. Nevertheless, the temptation of a final, highly lucrative challenge in a new environment remains a powerful counter-argument.
Managerial Uncertainty: Could Slot's Position Influence Salah's?
Parallels can be drawn with situations at other clubs where a change in management revitalised a player's fortunes. The scenario at Manchester United, where Kobbie Mainoo flourished under interim manager Michael Carrick after being marginalised, serves as a pertinent example. Last season, Salah was instrumental in Liverpool's Premier League triumph, contributing 34 goals and 23 assists across 4,501 minutes. This season, his output stands at five goals and five assists from 1,768 minutes. The question arises: could a different managerial approach reignite the prolific form he has consistently displayed for the Reds? While there is no current indication that Arne Slot is imminently facing dismissal, his continued tenure and results will undoubtedly be a factor in Salah's long-term thinking. For now, the Egyptian is back in the matchday squad, but as history shows, circumstances in football can change with remarkable speed.
