11 hours ago
3
Liverpool is reportedly open to offloading Mohamed Salah in the January transfer window following his explosive interview that escalated his situation into a crisis over the weekend. Salah has been sidelined for the last three Liverpool matches by manager Arne Slot, and tensions peaked when the Egyptian decided to air his grievances to the press.
Salah remained on the bench during Saturday's electrifying 3-3 draw with Leeds, after which he chose to speak out. He stated that he now had "no relationship" with Slot and felt he had been unfairly treated, despite having "earned" his spot in the team through years of solid performances.
The 33 year old striker is set to depart for Egypt to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations later in December, and rumors suggest he may not feature in the forthcoming matches against Inter Milan and Brighton.
Liverpool have supported Slot's decision to bench Salah following a series of lacklustre displays, leading to speculation that he may have already played his last match for the club.
With the January transfer window fast approaching, it presents an opportunity for both parties to part ways. Despite signing a lucrative two-year contract extension at the end of the previous season as Liverpool cruised towards the Premier League title, Salah could be heading for a swift exit, reports the Mirror.
BBC Sport suggests that Liverpool is keeping an open mind about Salah's future, given the potential of a transfer to Saudi Arabia. It's reported that Salah doesn't envision a future at the club under Slot's leadership and has previously been linked with a move to the Middle East.
Saudi club Al-Hilal is reportedly interested in signing the Egyptian forward, but no discussions have taken place yet, and Salah's attention will soon be fully on AFCON. Currently earning around £350,000 per week at Anfield, with his contract running until June 2027, the wealth of the Saudi Pro League could provide the only feasible exit for him.
Wayne Rooney is among the pundits who have criticised Salah for his recent comments. Speaking on the BBC's Wayne Rooney Show, he said: "It needs to be sorted out quickly either way.
"He is absolutely destroying his legacy at Liverpool. It would be sad for him to throw it all away. He's gone about it all wrong."
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Rooney continued: "To have the arrogance to say he doesn't have to earn his place because he has already earned his place, you need to be at your best every week to try and stay in the team.
"If I were one of his team-mates, I wouldn't be pleased at all with what he said because this is when Liverpool need him most. If anything, he has thrown Liverpool under the bus with his words.
"He's been absolutely incredible for Liverpool, but this was disrespectful to his team-mates, manager and fans."
English (US) ·