Ex-Liverpool midfielder identifies 'best solution' for Mohamed Salah as transfer decision beckons

There could still be ramifications following Mohamed Salah's comments before heading off to the Africa Cup of Nations, with the Liverpool star returning next week

Dietmar Hamann feels Liverpool and Mohamed Salah shoud "part ways"(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann feels it could be best for Mohamed Salah and the club to “part ways”.

The winger is set to return from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) next week following Egypt’s third-place play-off against Nigeria on Saturday. While it’s uncertain whether Salah will be involved in the midweek trip to Marseille, he almost certainly will be available for the next Premier League game at Bournemouth on Saturday.

But he will return to the aftermath left by his bombshell interview in the Elland Road mixed zone at the start of December, when he claimed that someone at the club was trying to force him out and that he had no relationship with Arne Slot.

While the Liverpool head coach reintegrated Salah into the squad before heading to AFCON, the situation could be properly addressed when the 33-year-old returns to club action.

There is still the possibility that Salah could face disciplinary action for his comments, and questions continue over how Slot will deal with any further unhappiness at a lack of starts.

For that reason, Hamann feels the Liverpool icon should look to leave the club.

Salah will be back from AFCON next week(Image: Getty Images)

“There have been poor performances without Salah as well, so it’s unfair to put it all on him,” the former midfielder told BetGoat.

“But Salah’s quote about not wanting to have to prove his worth every day struck me. That is exactly how it is.

“When you bring in players like [Alexander] Isak, [Hugo] Ekitike, and [Florian] Wirtz, and you have [Cody] Gakpo, you have to fight for your place regardless of the past.

“The main question is: is Salah prepared to sit on the bench for a few games if the manager feels someone else is better, even if it's a Champions League semi-final or final? If not, it’s probably best to part ways."

Hamann thinks Liverpool and Salah should part ways(Image: Getty Images)

The 2005 Champions League winner added: “I don't see why Salah and Wirtz can’t work together.

“Salah found it hard to score from open play since Christmas last year. The question is how much Salah is still capable of affecting games. He is 33 now; with offensive players, six months can make a huge difference.”

Speaking on Friday, Slot refused to discuss what conversations he has had with Salah recently, but said: “I'm happy that he comes back because Mo has been so important for this club.

“Even if I had 15 attackers, I still would have been happy if he came back, but that's not our current situation. I'm happy to have him back after an important game he has to play for Egypt.”