Image Credits: Imago Images
Mohamed Salah’s legacy at Liverpool is already secure, but this season has added a new layer to his story.
Just last campaign, he produced one of the greatest individual seasons in Premier League history.
A total of 29 league goals, 18 assists, and 47 goal involvements matched the all-time record.
This performance secured the Golden Boot, the Playmaker Award, and the Premier League Player of the Season.
With an average of 1.24 goal involvements per game, the output was simply unstoppable.
This season has looked different under Arne Slot. Salah has four goals and six assists in 19 league appearances.
His attacking numbers have dipped compared to last year. He is taking fewer shots and generating lower xG.
Yet his influence remains clear. In November, he scored his 250th goal for Liverpool against Aston Villa.
In December, he overtook Wayne Rooney for the most Premier League goal involvements for a single club.
He also tied Steven Gerrard’s record for league assists at Liverpool.
There has been tension along the way. After being left out for a third straight game, Salah spoke openly at Leeds.
“I don’t know why but it seems to me that someone doesn’t want me in the club,” he said. The comment caused shock.
He later apologised to his team-mates and shook hands with Slot. The manager insisted there was no ongoing issue.
Salah then thrived at AFCON before returning to reclaim his starting role.
Slot has defended him strongly.
“He sets his own standards and those are so, so high that the moment he doesn’t score for a few games, people are immediately surprised.”
“That’s probably the biggest compliment he can get,” he said.
He also praised his work rate, “What I like the most is he is scoring goals [which you] almost expect – but he also helps the team a lot defensively and that is something very positive.”
He added, “We are used to Mo scoring a lot of goals and that’s at this moment of time maybe the biggest difference in his performances… But I also know that in the end, he always starts scoring again.”
Now, however, a bigger issue is emerging.
Acording to BBC Sport, a summer departure is increasingly likely for the Egyptian.
Thereport read, “That ultimately depends on genuine interest and whether Salah’s wage demands can be met.”
“Saudi Arabia and the USA are possible options and Liverpool will not want him to leave on a free transfer next year.”
That will depend on firm interest and whether his wage demands are met. Saudi Arabia and the USA are seen as possible destinations.
Liverpool are aware of the risk of losing him on a free next year.
From a Liverpool perspective, the situation is clear. Salah remains crucial. But this could be the beginning of the final chapter.
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