Liverpool have already held talks with Mohamed Salah‘s representative since dropping out of the side, while Arne Slot insists there is “no reason not to want him to stay.”
Salah has been represented by Colombian lawyer Ramy Abbas Issa for over a decade, with their close relationship helping guide the Egyptian’s career.
At times it is clear Liverpool have found negotiations with Abbas difficult, but they have also resulted in a remarkable output from the No. 11, who has become the club’s third-highest goalscorer of all time.
Abbas has again been involved in talks with the Premier League champions this month as his client finds himself in a tense situation when it comes to his future.
“We’ve spoken a lot in the last week,” Slot told reporters on Friday.
“After the Sunderland game I think there have been a lot of conversations between his representatives and our representatives, and between him and me after the Sunderland game.
“And today I will speak to him again.”
Club decision to drop Salah vs. Inter Milan
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, December 8, 2025: Liverpool's Mohamed Salah during a training session at the AXA Training Centre ahead of the UEFA Champions League match between FC Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC. (Photo by Jessica Hornby/Propaganda)
Slot’s conversation with Salah on Friday morning will not only determine his role in the clash with Brighton at Anfield the following day, but perhaps even whether he will stay at Liverpool beyond January.
That comes after the call was made to omit Salah from the squad for Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Inter Milan, which came as a club decision involving sporting director Richard Hughes.
“I think we’ve decided as a club and I was part of that decision not to take him to the Inter Milan game,” Slot explained.
“I’m always in contact with them, but when it comes to the decision-making of the lineup or the squad they always leave that open to me.
“But that’s not to say that I don’t talk to them – mainly Richard, by the way, not Michael [Edwards] – but I talk to Richard about so many things.
“The decision to play a player or to have him in the squad, as I’ve experienced it until now and I think this will never change, is entirely up to me.”
Journalist asks Slot: ‘Do you want Mo to stay?’
LEEDS, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 6, 2025: Liverpool's substitute Mohamed Salah during the pre-match warm-up before the FA Premier League match between Leeds United FC and Liverpool FC at Elland Road. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
In his pre-match press conference ahead of the visit of Brighton, Slot was asked a series of direct questions on the impasse surrounding Salah.
The Athletic’s James Pearce questioned the head coach on whether he wanted his No. 11 to stay.
“Like I said, another way of asking it, but the next time I talk about Mo should be with him,” he responded.
“I have no reason not to want him to stay, if that is a little bit of an answer to your question.”
And with Salah insisting in his explosive interview following the 3-3 draw with Leeds that he no longer had a relationship with Slot, the Dutchman was asked whether that was the case.
LEEDS, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 6, 2025: Liverpool's unused substitute Mohamed Salah appreciating the traveling supporters after the FA Premier League match between Leeds United FC and Liverpool FC at Elland Road. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“It’s useless asking this question if I’ve said so many times the same answer,” he replied.
On whether Liverpool’s recent form – four games unbeaten since Salah dropped out of the starting lineup – justified his selection, Slot was emphatic.
“This club has won a lot, a lot, a lot of games with him,” he said, “so that’s an answer to your question I think.”