Mohamed Salah is reportedly set to travel to Saudi Arabia before joining Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations – but there are no claims this is linked to a move from Liverpool.
Salah ‘to travel to Saudi’ before AFCON
After coming off the bench for his first appearance since that much-publicised criticism of Arne Slot and Liverpool, Salah has now left Merseyside.
He will now link up with the Egypt squad for AFCON, which begins with their Group B opener against Zimbabwe on December 22.
However, broadcaster Al-Riyadiya – via winwin – has claimed that before Salah travels to Morocco for the tournament, he will stop off in Saudi Arabia.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 13, 2025: Liverpool's substitute Mohamed Salah on the bench before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
This could set off alarm bells among Liverpool fans given the known interest from Al-Hilal, Al-Qadsiah and Neom SC, but there is no suggestion his visit to the Middle East is tied to any transfer.
Instead, Salah is expected to perform Umrah, the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, as well as commercial engagements with the Saudi Ministry of Tourism.
Slot has already insisted the plan is for Salah to rejoin his Liverpool squad after AFCON, with “no issue to resolve.”
Today’s Liverpool FC News: Konate off for €15m?!
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 31, 2025: Liverpool's Ibrahima Konaté during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Arsenal FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
• Ibrahima Konate has been dubiously linked with a move to Inter Milan, with L’Interista claiming he could do so for as little as €15 million (£13.2m) – we’re not having that
• Dominik Szoboszlai appears to have avoided a serious ankle injury, with reports in Hungary indicating that “initial tests” came back positive and a decision will be made for Saturday’s clash with Tottenham
• Curtis Jones is well aware of the criticism of how often he slows play down, but he simply says: “I don’t want to be in a rush”
• Jordan Henderson scored his first Premier League goal in 1,475 days as Brentford drew 1-1 with Leeds – and dedicated it to Diogo Jota
More from This Is Anfield
With Joe Gomez expected to be sidelined for the foreseeable after injuring his hamstring against Brighton, Jack Lusby believes Liverpool now must sign a centre-back in January:
“Liverpool will avoid any snap decisions when it comes to signings, particularly as the circumstances aren’t as dire as those that prompted the arrivals of Ben Davies and Ozan Kabak in 2021.
“But if the right deal presents itself, they can hardly afford to ignore it, as even with Slot’s first-choice partnership currently fit it is a situation which is precariously balanced.
“With Konate yet to commit to an extension to a deal which expires on July 1 and Gomez joining Leoni and Endo on the injury list, a centre-back signing must be a priority for January.”
READ: Liverpool’s biggest January transfer need laid bare by Joe Gomez injury
Elsewhere in the football world today
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 26, 2015: Liverpool's manager Brendan Rodgers winks at a fan before watching his side beat Aston Villa 3-2 during the Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
• Brendan Rodgers is finalising a deal to become head coach of Saudi side Al-Qadsiah – ironically, one of the clubs credited with an interest in Salah… (The Athletic)
• Fractures are growing around Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, who has refused to elaborate on his claim over the “worst 48 hours” of his reign last week (BBC Sport)
• Ruben Amorim seems happy to allow Kobbie Mainoo to leave Man United in January, encouraging the midfielder to speak with him over his desire for a loan (Sky Sports)
Liverpool FC: On this day
Coca Cola Cup Final. Liverpool v Bolton. Steve McManaman with the trophy (Picture by Tony Marshall EMPICS Sport)
On this day in 1990 – 35 years ago! – Steve McManaman made his debut for Liverpool.
McManaman was just 18 when he replaced the injured Peter Beardsley for the final 10 minutes of a routine 2-0 win over Sheffield United – a game that also saw goalscorer Ian Rush make his 300th appearance for the club.
He went on to play 364 times for Liverpool, scoring 66 goals and laying on 85 assists, the latter being the 10th-most of any player in the club’s history.