Mohamed Salah agreement reached as Liverpool handed transfer solution for 2026

Liverpool still has a big decision to make on Mohamed Salah's future in 2026, with the possibility that fans may have already seen the last of the Egyptian in action for the Reds

Mohamed Salah's future at Liverpool remains up in the air as 2026 approaches(Image: Getty Images)

As the end of another year approaches, the hard work looks as though it is only just beginning for Liverpool - and there is one massive question that will need to be answered in 2026.

Arne Slot of course has plenty on his plate as he looks to rescue what has been a disappointing defense of the Premier League title. Already, the Reds’ hopes of reclaiming their crown look to be over, but there is still the prospect of silverware to come in the FA Cup and the Champions League.

There is an immediate concern that needs to be addressed at the start of the New Year though: Mohamed Salah.

Although Slot looks to have repaired some bridges with the Egyptian, his future is still up in the air following what was an explosive outburst against the club, in which he accused someone at Anfield of trying to drive him out.

Talks are set to continue between the player’s representatives and Liverpool while he’s away at the Africa Cup of Nations, but as things stand, all options could be on the table — Salah may see out the rest of his contract at Anfield, but he may have already played his final game for the club.

So what should be done about Salah’s future? Our Liverpool.com writers have had their say…

Matt Addison

There is no doubt that if the Brighton game did prove to be Salah's last appearance for Liverpool, that would be a very sad end. Watching him walk around the outside of the pitch at the final whistle, though, it didn't seem like that was going to be the case.

Really, AFCON has come at the perfect time. By the time Salah comes back — whenever that might be — things should have cooled down a little. Already, he looked like a man with a point to prove as he came off the bench against the Seagulls.

Salah is currently playing for Egypt at the AFCON(Image: Getty Images)

The ideal scenario that suits everyone is probably for Salah to come back, reintegrate himself properly — even if that means being a sub sometimes — and for him to go out with more of a bang, whether that is this summer or next.

He deserves a proper send-off. Perhaps if Liverpool can win some silverware this season, Salah could wave goodbye then and go out on the high that his time at Anfield warrants. Then again, fairytale endings rarely occur in soccer — and much will be down to the Egyptian. We certainly haven't heard the last of it.

James Findlater

I don’t think the saga is over by any means. Arne Slot may have got Salah back onside for the time being, but I don’t think the Egyptian will have any problem with airing his grievances again if he doesn’t find himself back in the team after AFCON.

If Slot and Liverpool can keep him happy for the remainder of the season, then he should undoubtedly be kept beyond January. It has to be on Slot’s terms though - that means if Salah is not a guaranteed starter anymore, he has to accept that.

Keeping him until the summer and re-evaluating the situation then is surely the best outcome Liverpool can hope for, and I suspect that is when we will say goodbye to Salah.

The interest from Saudi Arabia isn’t going to disappear anytime soon, so there shouldn’t be any thoughts of trying to sell him as quickly as possible. Having said that, I think a parting of the ways in the summer is in the best interests of both parties.

Michael Plant

Perhaps any doubt about Salah's next steps disappeared when Alexander Isak suffered that unfortunate leg break in Liverpool's final match before Christmas. Truthfully, keeping Salah on board felt likely beforehand, given the important role the winger still plays, but now it is imperative he returns and is back to his best after AFCON.

Yet, the fallout of that bombshell interview will likely roll into the new year. Certainly Liverpool saw Salah's AFCON departure as a chance for everyone to draw breath rather than a definitive line in the sand.

The 33-year-old has apologized to his teammates, seemingly repaired most of the damage with Slot, and is still adored by the Anfield masses. Even if there is some disciplinary action for Salah's self-centered comments, it's unlikely to cause too many ruptures.

But Salah will have to accept a new reality at Liverpool in 2026, one in which he is no longer a guaranteed starter, and he may be expected to play a different role in the side.

Slot has tended to select teams without natural wingers of late - could Salah find himself operating in a more central role, or with added defensive responsibility?

Liverpool will hope he returns buoyed by his experience in Morocco and eager to put right the wrongs of the season's opening months. Then, bigger questions will no doubt emerge ahead of the summer market.