Mohamed Salah’s future at Liverpool is becoming increasingly uncertain as fresh tension behind the scenes has intensified speculation over a January exit. According to a new report from the Daily Mirror, senior figures at the club are preparing for the possibility that the 33-year-old may push for a move as his relationship with manager Arne Slot continues to deteriorate.
Salah has already sparked controversy with public criticism of the coaching staff following his spell out of the starting eleven, and sources now suggest the Egyptian believes the club are subtly preparing for life without him. His omission from the side in recent weeks has only fuelled talk of an accelerated departure.
Al Hilal, long-term admirers of the Liverpool forward, are positioning themselves to strike first. The Saudi giants, who recruited Darwin Nunez from Anfield in the summer, believe this window represents their clearest chance yet to land Salah — especially with the player set to join Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations in January, creating a natural transition point for negotiations.
Two years ago, Liverpool rejected offers worth up to £150 million from the Saudi Pro League. But the landscape has changed dramatically. Salah is older, increasingly unsettled, and entering the final stages of his contract. Saudi officials believe any deal agreed in January will come at a significantly reduced price compared to earlier offers, though Liverpool are still expected to demand a substantial fee.
Al Hilal view Salah as the next face of their long-term global strategy. The Saudi Player Acquisition Centre of Excellence, led by Michael Emenalo, continues to prioritise players who can rival Cristiano Ronaldo’s cultural impact, and Salah remains one of the world’s most marketable and influential figures. He is categorised internally as “elite tier” — reserved for players who justify breaking spending restrictions.
For Liverpool, the situation is delicate. Slot has attempted to reshape the team’s attacking structure this season, but tensions with Salah have proved increasingly difficult to manage. The winger has voiced frustration over tactical decisions, perceived broken promises, and unclear communication around playing time. Those close to the player insist he feels “marginalised” and believes the club are already preparing for a future without him.
Salah has consistently deflected questions about a Saudi move in recent interviews, though his refusal to shut down the speculation has not gone unnoticed. He previously admitted he held “serious negotiations” with Saudi clubs before signing his latest contract extension and maintains strong personal links with senior league officials.
While Liverpool are publicly insisting that no decision has been made, the internal expectation is that a large January bid — particularly from Al Hilal — would force a rethink. With the club entering a transitional phase under Slot and several key players approaching crossroads of their own, Salah’s departure could reshape both the dressing room hierarchy and Liverpool’s long-term recruitment strategy.
Saudi clubs, meanwhile, are moving with confidence. There is a belief inside the league that Salah is closer than ever to accepting a Middle Eastern challenge, especially after his recent public outburst. If Liverpool signal any willingness to negotiate, Al Hilal are expected to table an official offer quickly.
As the January window approaches, Salah’s situation looks increasingly unstable. Whether he leaves immediately or waits until summer, it is becoming clear that Liverpool and their greatest modern goalscorer are approaching the end of a remarkable era together.