Liverpool’s season has been shaped by uncertainty around Mohamed Salah, even as results on the pitch have remained steady. The Premier League is entering a demanding phase, with the Africa Cup of Nations running alongside a packed domestic schedule. For Liverpool, that pressure has been magnified by contract tension, public comments, and now an injury setback elsewhere in the squad. The situation began earlier this month after Liverpool’s 3-3 draw away at Leeds. Salah reacted angrily after the game and claimed he had been “thrown under the bus” by the defending champions. The comments immediately raised questions about his future at Anfield and about harmony within the squad. It was a rare public outburst from one of Liverpool’s most reliable figures.
Liverpool responded firmly but calmly. Salah was left out of the squad for the Champions League clash with Inter Milan. Liverpool won that game 1-0, with Dominik Szoboszlai scoring a late penalty. The decision sent a clear message without escalating the issue. Salah then apologised and returned to the squad for the 2-0 home win over Brighton. He came off the bench and assisted Hugo Ekitike’s second goal. That appearance was his final outing for Liverpool before joining Egypt for AFCON, adding another layer to the ongoing situation.
After the Brighton win, Arne Slot played down the drama. “I said last week, actions speak louder than words,” Slot said. “We moved on. He was in the squad and was the first substitution I made. Now he’s got AFCON and will play some big games so it’s only fair that all focus is on them [Egypt].”
Salah then delivered on international duty by scoring the winner as Egypt beat Zimbabwe 2-1. While his focus is on AFCON, Liverpool’s focus has shifted to contract control. According to The Daily Mail, Sporting director Richard Hughes is expected to meet Salah’s agent, Ramy Abbas, for talks during the tournament. The report read, “Richard Hughes, Liverpool’s sporting director, is expected to meet Salah’s agent Ramy Abbas while he is away. The Colombian lawyer, who has a long-term relationship with Salah after a chance meeting in a hotel, does not do phone calls, he is all about face-to-face showdowns.”
Interest from Saudi Arabia remains strong. Saudi Pro League chief executive Omar Mugharbel confirmed that interest publicly. “Mohamed Salah is welcome in the Saudi League, but it is the clubs that are responsible for negotiating with players. For sure Salah is one of them [a target],” he said. Liverpool’s position has been influenced by Alexander Isak’s injury. With the forward ruled out for months, the club is no longer expected to sanction a January exit for Salah. For now, Liverpool want stability, goals, and control as the season reaches a decisive stage.
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