Liverpool’s recent 3-3 draw against Leeds United showcased not just the game’s unpredictability but also the alarming situation surrounding club icon Mohamed Salah. For the third straight match, Salah found himself sitting on the bench, and this marked the second time in three games he remained an unused substitute. His current form has seen him struggle to contribute, failing to score or assist in seven consecutive matches across all competitions. This has left many questioning not just Salah’s role, but Liverpool’s trajectory as they slowly drift from title contention and European competition.
This season has proven to be a challenging one for Liverpool, and following the draw, Salah expressed concerns about his future at the club. Once a pivotal player with a remarkable tally of 29 goals and 18 assists that helped secure the title last season, Salah is now grappling with the unsettling shift in his status. After the game, he voiced his frustrations, signaling a deeper concern about being unfairly blamed for the team’s struggles.
“It feels like the club has thrown me under the bus. That is how I am feeling. It’s obvious that someone is trying to put all the blame on me,” Salah remarked.
While he refrained from naming any individuals, Salah acknowledged a noticeable rift with manager Arne Slot this season. He previously claimed to have a strong relationship with the coach, but that seems to have deteriorated significantly.
“I’ve said many times before that I had a good relationship with the manager, and now we have no relationship at all. I don’t understand why, but it feels as though someone doesn’t want me at the club,” Salah said.
Salah is set to represent Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations starting December 15. If Egypt makes a deep run, he won’t return to Liverpool until after January 18, 2026, coinciding with the winter transfer window. Despite signing a contract extension with Liverpool at the end of the last season, this may signal a significant turning point in his career. His upcoming matches include a crucial away fixture against Inter in the Champions League and a home game against Brighton on December 13.
Statements like those shared on Saturday can have lasting repercussions. Salah further added, “I told my family to come to the Brighton game. I don’t know if I will play or not, but I plan to enjoy it. In my mind, I will enjoy that game because I don’t know what will happen next.” He expressed a desire to bid farewell to the fans before heading off to AFCON, unsure of his future when he returns.
Given previous interest from the Saudi Pro League, if Liverpool chooses to part ways with Salah, finding a buyer would likely not be an issue. At 33, he still possesses the talent to contribute significantly, but time is not on his side, making a January transfer seem beneficial for all involved.
“In football, you can never predict the future. I will not accept this situation. I have contributed so much to this club,” Salah commented when questioned if this could be his final appearance in a Liverpool jersey.
Salah’s determination to fight for his spot within the team has created a complicated dynamic for Slot and the club. Utilizing Salah might give the impression that Slot is acquiescing to player demands, but not playing him could exacerbate the ongoing issues. When Slot succeeded Jurgen Klopp ahead of last season, expectations were high, yet he smoothly guided the team to the title, dodging any immediate crises. However, this season paints a different picture as Liverpool faces adversity.
Current challenges highlight significant cracks within the club’s foundation. The integration of new players like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak is ongoing, and the team identity is shifting. Where once Salah was central, the focus appears to be moving towards Slot’s vision. Liverpool’s management has typically been reluctant to dismiss managers mid-season, especially one who cultivated such goodwill as Slot did in his inaugural year. However, without a resolution to the rift between Salah and Slot, this season’s challenges could intensify, leading Liverpool into a major rebuild.
