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After his amazing outburst against Liverpool and Arne Slot, what next for Mohamed Salah?
Mohamed Salah’s stunning interview on Saturday evening raised huge doubts about his future at Liverpool and whether he will play for the club again.
The Egyptian, one of Liverpool’s greatest-ever players, claimed he had been thrown under a bus and no longer had any relationship with boss Arne Slot following the 3-3 draw at Leeds United.
It was the third game in which Salah had not started and, after he was left out of the squad altogether for Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League Matchday 6 trip to Inter Milan, DAZN News reporter Ross Heppenstall assesses the striker’s future.
Background
In the mixed zone at Elland Road, Salah spoke to group of waiting journalists in what appeared to be a deliberate, premeditated diatribe against the club and his manager.
Having been left on the bench for the game with Daniel Farke’s side, Salah let rip in sensational fashion afterwards.
He said someone at the club wants him out, admitted his relationship with Slot has completely broken down and claimed that he deserved to be treated better.
Salah, known affectionately as the ‘Egyptian King’ to supporters, suggested this weekend’s home game with Brighton could even be his last as a Liverpool player.
The interview has been likened to the one Cristiano Ronaldo gave to Piers Morgan in November 2022 when he said he had “no respect” for his then Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag.
The following month it was announced that Ronaldo was leaving Old Trafford as a free agent and joined Saudi club Al-Nassr.
Salah’s interview have attracted plenty of criticism from ex-players and pundits but many Liverpool supporters are right behind the iconic frontman.
What happens now?
Salah has not travelled to Milan for the Inter game on Tuesday night after Liverpool removed him from selection for a short period.
It is said to be a club decision, taken in consultation with and with the full support of head coach Slot.
The 33-year-old is set to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations next Monday and also looks likely to also miss Liverpool’s home game against Brighton on Saturday.
Depending on how far Egypt progress in the tournament – the final is on January 18 – Salah may not be available to Liverpool again for a number of weeks.
What is the likely outcome?
Salah has reportedly not faced any formal disciplinary proceedings following his remarkable outburst, but the storm surrounding him continues to rage.
Liverpool handed him a two-year contract extension in the summer said to be worth £400,000 per week and he remains one of their most valuable assets.
But the apparent breakdown in his relationship with Slot suggests it may be difficult for him to play for the club again.
If Salah does return this weekend against Brighton, for example, then it would be seen by some as a weakening of Slot’s power during a period when the Dutchman is already coming under mounting scrutiny after two wins in 10 league games.
If Slot stands his ground and refuses to pick Salah, then he could come under fire from supporters already unhappy with how their legendary striker has been marginalised.
They either allow the dust to settle during Salah’s time away from Liverpool at the Africa Cup of Nations and try and rebuild their relationship in January.
Or, as seems more likely perhaps, they could look to find a suitable buyer when the transfer window opens.
Getty Images
What are his options?
Given Salah’s astronomical wages, very few clubs would be willing or able to take on his financial demands in January.
But a number of teams in the Saudi Pro League certainly would.
Salah has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabi before and teams in the SPL could now look to prise him away from Anfield next month.
It could all depend on the strength of Salah’s desire to stay at Liverpool, who would certainly look for a sizeable fee if they decide to sell.
Salah was the subject of a rejected £150million bid from reigning SPL champions Al-Ittihad in September 2023.
Al-Hilal could be another option as their star names include Salah's ex-Liverpool team-mate Darwin Nunez and they are managed by former Inter coach Simone Inzaghi.
Salah is the most famous Arab footballer on the planet and it has long been spceculated that he would end up playing in Saudi.
Perhaps that is now about to happen, albeit not in the circumstances anyone could have predicted.
Full Champions League fixture list for Round 6
Tuesday, 9 December
- Kairat Almaty vs Olympiacos
- Bayern Munich vs Sporting CP
- Atalanta vs Chelsea
- Barcelona vs Eintracht Frankfurt
- Inter vs Liverpool
- Monaco vs Galatasaray
- PSV Eindhoven vs Atletico Madrid
- Tottenham Hotspur vs Slavia Prague
- Union St. Gilloise vs Marseille
Wednesday, 10 December
- Qarabag FK vs Ajax
- Villareal vs FC København
- Athletic Club vs PSG
- Leverkusen vs Newcastle
- Benfica vs Napoli
- Dortmund vs Bodø/Glimt
- Club Brugge vs Arsenal
- Juventus vs Pafos FC
- Real Madrid vs Man City
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