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Mohamed Salah's status for Saturday's game against Brighton and Hove Albion remains unknown, but Liverpool has no plans for an Anfield farewell after he was dropped by manager Arne Slot.
Salah missed Liverpool's 1-0 win away to Inter Milan on Tuesday, after he gave a damaging interview in the mixed zone at the weekend. Salah claimed that Liverpool had thrown him "under the bus" and said he had no relationship with head coach Arne Slot after being benched for the third game in a row.
Slot had no choice but to discipline Salah, and the fallout has led to speculation over his immediate future, with Saudi Pro League clubs desperate to sign the Egyptian winger. However, Salah remains under contract with Liverpool through 2027, and as it stands, the club wants to honor that.
According to The Telegraph, Liverpool will not allow any sort of Salah farewell in what he claimed could be his "last game" for the club, aware the optics would have a negative impact on any negotiations to leave.
Saturday's Premier League clash could be the last time Salah is available for selection until January 18, as he will join the Egyptian national team for the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday. Salah's return will depend on how Egypt performs, but concerns persist over his long-term future.
Salah said after the game against Leeds he had told his family to attend the game and added: “I will be in Anfield to say goodbye to the fans and go to the Africa Cup of Nations. I don’t know what is going to happen when I am there.”
Salah made some damning statements during his interview, also claiming that he doesn't have to fight for his place due to the legacy he's built since arriving in 2017. The entire soccer community is closely watching the situation, especially in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Pro League clubs have wanted to sign Salah for several years, as he is arguably the most well-known Muslin soccer player in the world. The Saudi Pro League has experienced exponential growth in recent years, with stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema all relocating to the Middle East.
However, Salah is seen as the most prominent player available, and Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli have expressed interest. All four clubs are owned by the nation's Public Investment Fund, worth nearly $1 trillion.
Although there has been no immediate contact made with Liverpool, Saudi clubs are willing to negotiate a move. While it's a reactionary stance, should Liverpool consider selling Salah, his value will be at its highest this February.
Liverpool does not wish to sell Salah despite the current circumstances and expects to welcome him back after the AFCON. Salah's availability on Saturday hinges on discussions with Slot, which the head coach stated would take place after the team returned from Milan.
"After tomorrow, we will look at the situation again," Slot said on Monday. "He has every right to feel what he feels, but he doesn't have the right to share it with the media... he has that right but it's up to us to react on it."
Slot also said that Salah will be allowed to return to the Liverpool squad. "I'm a firm believer that there's always a possibility to return for a player. So, I can leave it with that, I think," he added.
Salah has been sensational for Liverpool since signing in 2017, leading the club to two Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy. However, Liverpool has struggled this season, and Salah's form has been underwhelming.
In a desperate attempt to improve results, Slot changed his system and temporarily dropped Salah. After being an unused substitute in a 3-3 draw away to Leeds United, Salah lashed out, and Slot had no choice but to drop him from the midweek roster.
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