Mohamed Salah message speaks volumes as Arne Slot faces up to January transfer reality

Mohamed Salah posted about his 277 Liverpool goal contributions before leaving for AFCON - and his reminder of his legendary status may give Arne Slot food for thought in January

Mohamed Salah has given Arne Slot plenty to consider(Image: Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images)

Mohamed Salah's parting words to Liverpool before heading off for AFCON have given Arne Slot much to ponder as the transfer window approaches. The Reds have battled their way back to fifth in the Premier League table following a series of positive outcomes, and are now aiming to narrow the gap with Arsenal and Manchester City.

Liverpool's challenging period was exacerbated by a public spat between Salah and Slot, sparked by the Egyptian's surprising demotion to the bench. Following some heated exchanges, Salah was reinstated in the team and provided an assist in the Reds' 2-0 victory over Brighton on 13 December.

This assist took Salah's total goal contributions for the club to 277, surpassing any other player in Premier League history. As he left Anfield for AFCON, the Egyptian winger highlighted this achievement on social media, underscoring the many considerations Slot may need to take into account as January draws near.

Salah's influence at Liverpool is incalculable, with many of his goals leading the way to success and silverware. Since joining in 2017, the 33 year old has netted 250 goals and delivered 117 assists in 421 appearances.

Two Premier League titles, one Champions League trophy, and a host of domestic cups now adorn Salah's trophy cabinet on Merseyside, and it seems the seasoned footballer still has plenty to offer.

The Brighton fixture may well have been Salah's final outing in a Reds shirt following his public spat with Slot. However, the Dutch boss will undoubtedly consider the immense goalscoring threat he'd be losing should he choose to drop the Egyptian – something the player himself has emphasised.

In Egypt's AFCON curtain-raiser against Zimbabwe, Salah netted a dramatic late winner as his side came from behind to claim a 2-1 triumph. This latest piece of brilliance highlights the forward's importance for both club and country, with Salah consistently bailing Liverpool out of tricky situations.

The Egyptian forward's future at Anfield is in doubt after a recent row with Liverpool manager Arne Slot(Image: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

The winger's experience and leadership qualities within the squad could also prove a substantial loss mid-season, with the Reds presently fighting for a Champions League berth.

Fans would certainly be devastated to see the adored figure leave Anfield, with many taking to social media to celebrate Salah's goalscoring exploits. One commented: "No one is taking your place at the club soon. You're a legend indeed."

Another supporter remarked: "I don't think many in our fanbase understand what an achievement this is."

Handling potential fan backlash alongside a drop in attacking output might prove too much for Slot, who has already faced intense pressure this campaign. Yet with just five goals and four assists for Liverpool this season, doubts could emerge over whether Salah is performing well enough to warrant his place in the team.

For context, Salah had a combined tally of 26 goals and assists at this stage last season. With just nine to his name so far this term, the dip in form explains why Slot relegated him to the bench, sparking their public spat.

The Liverpool gaffer will be eager to sidestep another internal dispute and might feel that the only resolution is to orchestrate the exit of one of them from Anfield. Clubs from the Saudi Pro League are reportedly interested in snapping up Salah, with a hefty £100million transfer fee being bandied about for his departure.

With much to mull over in the coming weeks, Slot will make his decision while Salah continues his pursuit of his maiden AFCON title with Egypt.