Liverpool star Mohamed Salah continues to be linked with a possible exit from the club heading into the summer transfer window, following interest in the forward in January.
Mohamed Salah on the bench at Liverpool
Mohamed Salah on the bench at Liverpool(Image: Getty)
View 2 Images
Former Premier League star Rafael van der Vaart has claimed that it would be in the best interests of everybody if Mohamed Salah left Liverpool in the summer transfer window. Salah was embroiled in a high-profile falling out with the club in December, after a run of games being left on the bench under Arne Slot.
The forward slammed his treatment before hinting at a possible exit in January. Salah was left at home for the Champions League win over Inter Milan before being restored to Liverpool’s squad for the 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion after face-to-face talks with Slot.
Before leaving for Egypt’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign, the forward also apologised to his team-mates. However, the summer transfer window may bring an end to the forward's Liverpool career, as Saudi Pro League clubs continue to be linked with a deal for Salah.
And Van der Vaart believes the decision is an obvious one, telling Sky Bet: “When I look at Mohammed Salah and the position he plays on the pitch, he has lost that extra half yard and the pace is gone with age.
"He used to be so quick and would run at players, but I can see now that it is different and this is because of his age. When I look at Mohammed Salah and the position he plays on the pitch, he has lost that extra half yard and the pace is gone with age.
"He used to be so quick and would run at players, but I can see now that it is different and this is because of his age. When you look at Virgil van Dijk, age is less important for a defender.
"There were games he performed not at his best and everyone writes him off, but over a full season, even at this age, he shows everyone how good he is.
“[On Mohammed Salah] Having a big player and a big name is sometimes a problem for both the player and coach.
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion
Mohamed Salah continues to be linked with an exit from Liverpool(Image: (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images))
View 2 Images
"When you expect certain things as a coach from him, and he doesn’t do it, then of course you have the right to put him on the bench, but because it's Mohamed Salah, this can cause a massive issue – in every press conference every question will be on Salah. It could be best for both sides if Salah goes somewhere else in the summer.”
While Van der Vaart believes Salah leaving may be best for everyone this summer, he doesn't think the same about Reds boss Slot.
“Arne Slot is the man that can turn things around at Liverpool, I believe this 100%. Spending £500m in the summer gives you no guarantee that the team is going to be better, and we’ve seen this," he said.
“You have to remember that when Liverpool were winning, a lot of the time it was a goal in the last minute. Football is sometimes a game of luck and now they’re in a phase where the luck is not on their side.
“I really hope that Liverpool stay calm and keep Slot because he can turn it around.”
Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings