Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has been handed a potential escape route from Anfield, with former club AS Roma reportedly preparing a stunning move to bring the Egyptian superstar back to Italy.
Fallout at Anfield Sparks Transfer Speculation
The speculation around Salah's future intensified dramatically last month following an explosive interview in which the 33-year-old criticised his treatment after being benched by manager Arne Slot. The relationship between player and club has been under strain, with Liverpool failing to replicate the form of their title-winning campaign.
Salah's public comments led to him being omitted from a matchday squad by Slot, though he was later reintegrated before departing for the Africa Cup of Nations. His participation in the tournament, where Egypt are set to play in the last 16 on Monday, severely limits his opportunities to feature for Liverpool this month or to negotiate any potential transfer.
Roma's Ambitious Plan and Fierce Competition
According to reports from Italian publication La Repubblica, Roma have identified Salah as a target for attacking reinforcements during the January window. However, the Serie A side will face significant competition for his signature.
Clubs from the Saudi Pro League remain keen, with Liverpool having rejected a monumental £150 million bid from Al-Ittihad back in September 2023. Salah's current contract, signed little under a year ago, has just 18 months remaining, placing his long-term future firmly in the spotlight regardless of his standing at Liverpool.
Roma's manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, has spoken openly about the club's transfer strategy, emphasising the need for quality additions. "Roma’s objective is to become stronger and stronger," Gasperini stated. "You shouldn’t add players just for the sake of it, but bring in strong players who can add value."
A Potential Romantic Return to the Italian Capital
A move would represent a romantic return for Salah to the Stadio Olimpico. The forward initially joined Roma on loan from Chelsea, scoring 15 goals in 42 appearances, before making the switch permanent. A prolific second season, where he netted 19 times in 41 outings, convinced Liverpool to sign him in a deal worth up to £43 million in 2017.
Gasperini acknowledged the challenges of the January market, noting, "This is a strange transfer market, different from other years, as the big clubs are going all out... Whoever arrives will need some time; my vision is to make Roma strong over time."
With Salah's situation at Liverpool unsettled and elite clubs circling, the coming months are poised to define the next chapter of the Premier League legend's illustrious career.
