A wave of tension and uncertainty now surrounds Mohamed Salah and Liverpool. It is not about goals. After intense talks, it’s been officially confirmed: Salah will leave Liverpool on 15 December 2025 to join Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) duty for Egypt. What seemed like carefully handled exit negotiations now carries heavy emotion. Distress surrounds the club, the fans, and Salah himself.
Mohamed Salah and Liverpool
Liverpool’s 2025–26 season has been rocky. After dominating last season, the Reds are struggling, and Salah’s performance has dipped: only four goals and two assists in 12 Premier League appearances this campaign. Meanwhile, manager Arne Slot has rotated the squad heavily, reshaping the frontline — which led to Salah being dropped recently for the first time since April 2024. The looming AFCON adds pressure: this tournament, set in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January, demands that clubs release players by 15 December — and Liverpool is no exception.
Mohamed Salah to Appear in AFCON
At a press conference ahead of the midweek game against Sunderland, Arne Slot confirmed the departure date clearly: “15 December.” Few days ago, FIFA also announced that clubs can retain players upto 15th December before AFCON. That means Salah will remain in Liverpool until after the upcoming fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion on 13 December — then he’ll head to Egypt for AFCON. Slot insisted this outcome is the result of a “three-way conversation” involving the club, the national team and the player — a routine procedure under FIFA regulations.
Despite being left out of the starting XI at West Ham, Slot praised Salah’s professionalism. He said that he remained supportive, trained well, and accepted the situation like a leader. The decision reflects delicate balancing, acknowledging Salah’s legacy and form. This protected team dynamics and compliance with national team obligations. Yet, on the field, this is a major shift. The season that began with hope has dipped into uncertainty. Losing a main man like Salah — even temporarily — weighs heavily on Liverpool’s ambitions.
Player Spotlight
Mohamed Salah: The 33-year-old Liverpool forward is third on the club’s all-time scoring list. He has netted 250 goals.
Mohamed Salah has 4 goals and 2 assists in 12 league appearances this season.
Key Info
AFCON runs 21 Dec–18 Jan.
🚨🇪🇬 Arne Slot: “Mo Salah will travel for AFCON on December 15”.
“Of course a player is not happy if he's not starting but he was very supportive of his teammates. He's a top professional”. pic.twitter.com/hx5DMcrzoP
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 2, 2025
Viewing it from Fans’ Angle
The reaction among fans and media has been mixed, and raw. Some supporters responded with understanding and hope: as one Reddit user put it:
“Hope he goes and wins it.”
Others expressed deep sadness and frustration over how a club legend seems to be pushed aside:
“This is such an exceptionally sad, depressing turn in Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool story.”
Social media is flooded with nostalgia. Many believe Salah deserves better than a quiet exit and uncertain reception upon return. Speculation is already swirling about whether this AFCON participation could mark the beginning of a permanent departure.
Salah’s Future at Liverpool
Salah’s exit affects both club and country. For Liverpool, he could miss up to six to eight matches — including away games against tough opponents — potentially weakening their attacking firepower during a critical stretch. Egyptian fans are hoping of Salah’s resurgence in national team colours. They are expecting a serious run in AFCON amid his timely arrival. Salah needs to bring his leadership and pedigree for his country.
But beyond matches and fixtures, there is still a crisis. Salah’s future at Liverpool feels uncertain. Salah has been in reported tensions with management, benching and public criticism recently. Many see this as a turning point. Media and fans alike are speculating about a possible January transfer window exit, with whispers of moves to the Middle East.
🚨🇪🇬 Arne Slot confirms Mohamed Salah will go to AFCON with Egypt on December 15th. ✈️
Therefore Salah will be available for Liverpool's next 4 games: Sunderland (H), Leeds (A), Inter (A), Brighton (H).
Reminder: AFCON will run from 21 December 2025 – 18 January 2026. 🏆🌍 pic.twitter.com/xEMeXeYAYS
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) December 2, 2025
Author’s Insight
Salah’s departure on 15 December isn’t just a formality — it’s a signal. AFCON may re-ignite his spark, but his absence could reshape Liverpool’s season. After the tournament, we should watch whether he returns as a hero or a man at a crossroads.
As featured on Walkon.com