Mohamed Salah’s Future at Liverpool in Doubt After Bench Role and Public Criticism
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has publicly expressed feeling “thrown under the bus” by the club, casting significant doubt on his long-term future at Anfield. The Egyptian international, a mainstay of Liverpool’s attack for years, has found himself increasingly marginalized under manager Arne Slot, culminating in a recent benching during a 3-3 draw against Leeds United on Saturday.
The situation represents a dramatic shift for Salah, who was instrumental in Liverpool’s success last season, scoring 29 goals and providing 18 assists en route to a title-winning campaign. However, this season has been markedly different. He has failed to register a goal contribution in seven consecutive matches across all competitions, and currently has just five goals and three assists to his name. Liverpool’s struggles, having fallen out of both the title race and contention for European qualification, have only exacerbated the tension.
Following the draw at Elland Road, Salah voiced his frustrations, stating, “It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That is how I am feeling. I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame.” He further revealed a breakdown in his relationship with manager Slot, adding, “I said many times before that I had a good relationship with the manager, and all of a sudden, we don’t have any relationship. I don’t know why, but it seems to me, how I see it, that someone doesn’t want me in the club.”
Salah is set to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations on December 15th, representing Egypt. Depending on Egypt’s performance in the tournament, his return to Liverpool could be delayed until after January 18, 2026 – well into the winter transfer window. Despite recently signing a contract extension, this extended absence, coupled with his current discontent, has fueled speculation about a potential departure.
The forward hinted at a possible farewell to the Anfield faithful, telling his family to attend the upcoming Brighton match, stating, “I said to [my family], come to the Brighton game. I don’t know if I am going to play or not but I am going to enjoy it. In my head, I’m going to enjoy that game because I don’t know what is going to happen now.” He added, “I will be in Anfield to say goodbye to the fans and go to the Africa Cup. I don’t know what is going to happen when I am there.”
Interest from the Saudi Pro League remains a possibility, and while Salah, at 33, may not possess the same explosive pace as in his prime, he is still considered a valuable asset. A January move could prove beneficial for all parties, allowing Liverpool to recoup a significant transfer fee and Salah to seek a new challenge. “In football, you never know. I don’t accept this situation. I have done so much for this club,” he asserted when questioned about the possibility of this being his final appearance for the club.
The situation presents a complex challenge for Slot and the Liverpool hierarchy. Selecting Salah after his public criticism could be perceived as caving to pressure, while continuing to omit him from the starting lineup risks further alienating a club icon and deepening the existing rift. Slot’s arrival following Jurgen Klopp was anticipated to bring its own set of challenges, but Liverpool’s current struggles, and the internal discord, have brought those challenges into sharp focus.
The team that was once unequivocally “Salah’s team” has undergone a transformation under Slot, with the integration of players like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak altering the dynamic. While this shift might be acceptable if Liverpool were competing at the highest level, the current circumstances have amplified the tension. The club now faces a difficult decision: side with their manager or their star player.
Liverpool has historically shown reluctance to dismiss managers mid-season, particularly those who have enjoyed initial success, like Slot. However, a resolution is needed to prevent the situation from escalating and potentially derailing the season. Failure to address the issue could lead to a prolonged period of rebuilding for the Merseyside club.
