Former Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren has addressed Mohamed Salah's exit from Anfield, while ex-Red Darwin Nunez is reportedly eyeing a return to the club from Saudi Arabia
08:19, 09 Jun 2026
Mohamed Salah joined Liverpool in 2017 and left this summer
Mohamed Salah joined Liverpool in 2017 and left this summer(Image: Getty Images)
A summer of change has grown increasingly complicated for Liverpool, with Andoni Iraola now installed as the club's new head coach.
Iraola will be keen to stamp his authority and playing philosophy on his new squad. As the Reds embark on a fresh chapter following the dismissal of Arne Slot, they also face the daunting prospect of life without Mohamed Salah, who is leaving on a free transfer.
Many fans would welcome a change of heart from Salah, particularly now Slot has departed. The latest developments suggest that Salah has made his decision on a potential Anfield return, while another ex-Red is said to be considering a Liverpool comeback.
Salah's future
Former Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren has suggested that Salah will not reconsider his decision to leave the club. Some had harbored hopes that Slot's exit might prompt the winger to have a change of heart.
However, speaking to WinWin, Lovren extinguished those hopes. He said: "No, it's over.
"Mo has a big personality, too. I don't know, if they hadn't announced all of that, all the details of leaving, saying thank you and goodbye, and saying goodbye, maybe yes, but now it's difficult."
Salah and Arne Slot's relationship was a topic of discussion
Salah and Arne Slot's relationship was a topic of discussion(Image: Getty Images)
Yet in a devastating twist for supporters, Lovren, who was close friends with Salah during their time together on Merseyside, reckons the veteran forward might have remained at Anfield had he been aware that Slot would be departing earlier.
He added: "Yes, he would have stayed 100 percent. Believe me, he would have stayed 100 percent, I know that. But the timing was bad.
"Only a fool would say we no longer need him. Only a fool would say that. I mean, to say you don't need Mohamed Salah at Liverpool, when he can still perform at the highest level for another two or three years, then we have a problem understanding football."
Relations between Salah and Slot were allegedly strained, with the forward making two public outbursts during the campaign. While a return to Anfield appears unlikely, he's yet to reveal his next destination following his departure.
Nunez to return?
Ex-Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez is reportedly interested in rejoining the club. The striker moved to Al-Hilal a year ago, but has struggled to settle in Saudi Arabia.
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The Uruguayan was dropped from the squad in February following Karim Benzema's arrival. Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reports that Nunez would welcome a return to Merseyside.
However, the same report suggests that Xabi Alonso's appointment at Chelsea has sparked interest from the Blues. Barcelona and Newcastle are also cited as potential options.
On his departure from Liverpool, Nunez said: "Liverpool will always be part of who I am. I'll miss you more than words can say. To all the staff and my teammates — thank you, and all the very best for the future."