Former Liverpool and Chelsea forward Joe Cole has explained his belief that Mohamed Salah will leave Anfield at the end of the season
Mark Wakefield
12:03, 07 Feb 2026Updated 12:30, 07 Feb 2026
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool
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Mohamed Salah's future at Liverpool has been the subject of speculation(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Arne Slot has been warned why this could mark Mohamed Salah's final campaign at Liverpool, with the Reds manager cautioned about what life might look like without the Egypt superstar.
Salah's future at Anfield has sparked intense speculation over the past 18 months, especially before the forward penned his contract extension last term. The forward committed to a two-year deal that expires at the end of the 2026/27 campaign, meaning he's now in the final 18 months of his agreement.
The 33-year-old has battled to recapture his trademark scoring form this term, the same which has cemented his place as a Liverpool legend. A tally of six goals in all competitions, with merely four coming in the Premier League, has sparked suggestions that a summer departure could materialise.
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool during the Premier League match against Brighton
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Mohamed Salah's contract at Liverpool expires in 2027(Image: Getty Images)
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Salah was recently absent for over a month whilst representing Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, though he's since returned to appear in Liverpool's last four fixtures, reports the Mirror.
The January window brought rumours that Salah might depart Liverpool for the Saudi Pro League, and despite the deadline passing, talk of an Anfield exit come season's end persists.
Ex-Liverpool and Chelsea striker Joe Cole has revealed why he expects Salah to depart Anfield when the season concludes, and why he reckons the Egyptian creates a "problem" for Slot.
“The first 30 minutes of the Newcastle game, Liverpool were taken apart, it could’ve been 2-0,” Cole told Paddy Power.
Mohamed Salah #11 of Liverpool FC
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Mohamed Salah has scored six goals for Liverpool this season(Image: Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images)
“After that, they were sublime. I think the problem for Arne Slot is Mo Salah. Hugo Ekitike looks like he’s the type of player that would benefit from having a starring role, but when Mo plays, the ball goes to him all the time because he’s been so good.
“This will be the last three months at Liverpool for Mo Salah. I think he’ll leave at the end of the season and walk out with being an all-time great at the club.
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“Going forward, Arne Slot is going to have to find somewhere to adjust the system of how his team play.”