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Liverpool manager Arne Slot is set to have crucial discussions with Mohamed Salah in the next 48 hours, a meeting that will likely determine the future of the unsettled star.
Five overseas clubs are keen on Salah, who was notably absent from Liverpool's squad for their vital 1-0 victory against Inter Milan on Tuesday, following his explosive interview where he accused the club of throwing him "under the bus."
The Egyptian skipper also stated that he has "no relationship" with Slot, having been benched for Liverpool's recent matches, and hinted that Saturday's match against Brighton could be his last outing for the Reds. Salah, 33, is due to fly out to the Africa Cup of Nations next week and won't be back until January.
By that time, the winter transfer window will be open, with teams from the Saudi Pro League and MLS eager to secure his services.
The Daily Mail suggests that Saudi clubs Al-Hilal, Al-Qadisah, and Neom are all interested, while American teams San Diego and Chicago Fire are also keeping tabs on Salah's situation.
However, these interested parties are expected to hold off until it becomes clear whether a resolution can be reached at Anfield. Liverpool is prepared for offers but currently has no plans to sell Salah, who signed a new two-year contract in April.
Two years ago, the Reds turned down an offer from Al-Ittihad. The subsequent season saw Salah deliver arguably his best performance yet, propelling Slot's team to the Premier League title.
Saudi clubs have long had Salah on their radar, and the league's CEO, Omar Mugharbel, stated at the World Football Summit in Riyadh on Wednesday: "Mohamed Salah is welcome in the Saudi League, but it is the clubs that are responsible for negotiating with players.
"For sure, Salah is one of (their targets)."
In the meantime, Slot has implied that it should be Salah who initiates an apology for his remarks.
The Liverpool manager declined to confirm whether he plans to repair the relationship when questioned by Prime Video Sport pundit Clarence Seedorf.
"Everyone makes mistakes in life, but does the player think he's made a mistake," Slot replied following Tuesday's Champions League victory. "The next question is, should the initiative come from him or me? That's another question to answer."
Salah has asked his mum to attend Saturday's match at Anfield, though it remains uncertain whether he'll play against Brighton.
"I will be in Anfield to say goodbye to the fans and go to the Africa Cup of Nations," the forward revealed during the aforementioned interview. "I don't know what is going to happen when I am there."
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