Mohamed Salah in a Liverpool hoodie with Arne Slot included in a circular inset
(Credit: Imago/Manh Tung - Breaking Media)
James Murray
Wed 17 December 2025 9:47, UK
Mohamed Salah could still be heading for a Liverpool exit despite returning to action at Anfield.
Salah registered an assist after coming off the bench in Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Brighton on Saturday (13 December), with the Reds supporters greeting him with an applause.
Salah didn’t travel with the Liverpool squad for their Champions League win over Inter Milan last week following his controversial recent comments.
The Egypt international said he had no relationship with Liverpool manager Arne Slot after the game against Leeds United on 6 December, having been named on the bench for three matches in a row.
San Diego FC have been linked with a move to sign Salah alongside fellow MLS side Chicago Fire ahead of the January transfer window.
Mohamed Salah in action for Liverpool
Credit: Imago
Mohamed Salah deal ‘too expensive’ amid Saudi interest
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider there is almost “zero chance” Salah will make the move to the US in January.
It is believed Liverpool could demand more than £50million for Salah, while his wages are also expected to be significant.
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Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Salah joining an MLS club, Borson said: “I think there is almost zero chance and definitely zero chance in January. It’s just too expensive when you’ve got Saudi in the background.
“Look, if Saudi weren’t there, so let’s say Saudi say, ‘Actually, we’re not in that game anymore’, then obviously there are very few other options.
“So yes, then the US would come into it, but not in this scenario and not on the sort of money that he will want.”
Mohamed Salah for Liverpool
Credit: Imago
Lionel Messi is the highest-paid player in the MLS, with his salary worth around £15.6m a year at Inter Miami.
Salah deal faces complication as Saudi clubs line up new move
There is an expectation Salah will make the move to the Saudi Pro League if he is to leave Liverpool in January.
However, any deal will be complicated by the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with the 33-year-old winger representing Egypt at the tournament in Morocco.
Salah could be away for just over a month if his country reaches the final rounds of the tournament, which starts on 21 December and ends on 18 January.
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