Mohamed Salah has returned to Liverpool following another unsuccessful Africa Cup of Nations campaign with Egypt.
The trophy continues to evade the winger’s cabinet after former Anfield teammate Sadio Mané once again delivered heartache to the Pharaohs. The Al-Nassr star knocked Salah and Egypt out of the AFCON 2025 semi-final before going on to claim the title over hosts Morocco.
Salah has little time to lick his wounds though, as he is back in training ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League clash with Marseille this week. There is also the matter of his future to consider, as transfer rumours continue to surround the winger and his place at Anfield.
Here are the three main scenarios staring Salah in the face as he considers how he wants to see out the final years of his decorated domestic career.
Mo Salah leaves Liverpool in January
This is the most unlikely of the three but prior to the new year, there was a lot of speculation over whether Salah would leave Liverpool during the January transfer window.
The Egyptian sparked rumours with his bombshell interview comments after he was left on the bench during the Reds’ 3-3 draw with Leeds United in December. He had hinted at the time that his last match before heading out to AFCON could be his farewell appearance.
However, Salah is now back with the squad and with Liverpool struggling in attack recently, it seems highly unlikely Arne Slot will want to see the winger sold halfway through the season.
Mo Salah goes to Saudi Arabia in the summer
Based on how things have gone so far this season, this option seems the most likely right now.
Salah has been a leading target for Saudi Arabian clubs for years now and they may finally be able to get their man this summer.
The 33-year-old has been benched multiple times this season under Slot, which is not something he has taken kindly to. If the manager continues to start Salah sporadically, it may make his mind up regarding his next career move.
Salah is a player who thrives off being a key player for a club. Saudi Arabian sides can definitely offer that to him if Liverpool can’t. If Slot decides Salah is not guaranteed a spot in the starting 11 each week, that may be enough for the winger to decide it’s time for a new chapter, where Saudi Arabia is waiting.
Mo Salah stays at Liverpool
The option most Liverpool fans will probably want to see. Salah has been instrumental in the club’s success over the years and his electric influence in attack has established him as an Anfield legend.
All good things must come to an end, but the majority of supporters will want to see Salah stay until the end of his contract, similar to how other fan favourites before him like Roberto Firmino, James Milner and Joël Matip left the club.
Salah also deserves a huge farewell reception to honour his impact on the club. His contract expires in 2027, by which time he will be 34 years of age and will have spent an entire decade with Liverpool.
The choice ultimately lies with Salah but will be influenced by the role Slot is willing to give him moving forwards. There is no denying the Egyptian’s commitment to the Merseyside club but he will want to play as much football as he can before he retires. It all boils down to how he pictures these final years of his career, the role he sees himself playing, and the kind of silverware he wants to challenge for.