The future of Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah remains a major talking point, with former Reds stars now publicly urging the Egyptian to stay at Anfield long enough to secure a fitting farewell.
Fallout and Reconciliation at Anfield
The saga began in December following Liverpool's dramatic 3-3 draw with Leeds United. In a bombshell interview, Salah accused the club of "throwing him under the bus" and declared his relationship with head coach Arne Slot was over. This led to his omission from the squad for a Champions League victory over Inter Milan.
A resolution appeared close after face-to-face talks between player and manager. Salah was reinstated for the 2-0 win against Brighton & Hove Albion and, before departing for the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt, issued an apology to his teammates.
Legends Plead for a Proper Send-Off
In the wake of the controversy, Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher implored Salah to see out the season, ensuring a dignified summer departure. Former midfielder David Thompson has now echoed those sentiments.
"I hope he hasn't played his last game for Liverpool," Thompson stated. "What he's done for Liverpool Football Club, he deserves a proper send-off where the fans can say goodbye to him."
Thompson suggested the change in Liverpool's tactical system under Slot, moving away from the high-chaos style where Salah thrived, has impacted the 33-year-old's performances. He acknowledged, however, that Salah's immense value as a "standard-bearer" who elevated the entire squad remains unquestioned.
The Looming Saudi Pro League Interest
The spectre of a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia continues to hang over the situation. Clubs from the Saudi Pro League retain a strong interest, and pundits believe Liverpool would consider a sale for the right price.
Ex-England manager Sam Allardyce offered a blunt assessment on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast: "Make no mistake, Liverpool will sell him if a Saudi club comes in for him with a good offer."
Allardyce pointed to the precedent of Jordan Henderson's £20m sale as evidence that sentiment rarely overrules financial sense when a major bid arrives for an ageing star.
The coming months will be decisive. While Salah focuses on international duty in the Africa Cup of Nations, the debate over his club future rages on, with legends hoping his final chapter at Liverpool is written on the Anfield pitch, not in a boardroom.
