18 hours ago
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Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah found himself on the bench for a third consecutive Premier League match as Liverpool drew 3-3 with Leeds United - and then claimed next week could be his last game for the club.
The Reds raced to a 2-0 lead shortly after halftime thanks to two quick strikes from Hugo Ekitike before the Liverpool defense once again broke down, letting Leeds back into the game in quick fashion. Salah was not brought on from the Reds' substitutes bench — coach Arne Slot instead opted for Alexander Isak as an attacking sub.
Salah didn't mince his words when making a rare appearance in the mixed zone post-match.
"It is not acceptable for me [to not play]," he said. "I don't know why this is happening to me. I don't get it. I think if this were somewhere else, every club would protect its player."
When asked if it was his last game for Liverpool, Salah didn't say no. "In football, you never know," he said. "I don’t accept this situation. I have done so much for this club....I am the top goalscorer, best player, winning the league in such a style, but I am the one who has to defend myself in front of the media and fans."
He added on the Brighton game: "In my head, I'm going to enjoy that game because I don't know what is going to happen now.
"I will be in Anfield to say goodbye to the fans and go the Africa Cup of Nations. I don't know what is going to happen when I am there."
After admitting he is preparing to leave immediately in January, here are three potential destinations for Salah if he does move on.
Al-Ittihad, Saudi Arabia
Al-Ittihad, the transfer location of Fabinho in 2023, has slipped to seventh in the Saudi Pro League. The club bid £150 million ($200 million) for Salah in 2023 and still boasts a talented team featuring the likes of Karim Benzema, Steven Bergwijn, Fabinho, and Houssem Aouar, and is coached by Sergio Conceicao.
Saudi Arabia is hosting the World Cup in 2034 and may want to maintain the league's profile in the interim period. Salah, arguably the most popular player of Middle Eastern descent in the world, could be the key target.
Galatasaray, Turkey
A report from outlet Fichajes indicates that reigning Turkish league champions Galatasaray, fresh off signing Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, are poised to offer Salah a contract in the range of £15 million - £16.5m ($19-22 million).
The move would allow Salah to remain in the UEFA Champions League and for a side still possessing attacking talents like Osimhen, Leroy Sane, and Mauro Icardi.
San Diego FC, MLS
The ultimate curveball option sees Salah moving across the pond ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Why San Diego? The 2025 expansion side made waves in the MLS after winning the Western Conference regular season title en route to a surprising league semifinal run.
The owner of San Diego FC is British-Egyptian entrepreneur Mohamed Mansour. The billionaire has spoken openly in the past about attracting top talents like Kevin De Bruyne and Salah, and now could be the ideal time.
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