The future of Mohamed Salah at Liverpool has taken a dramatic and potentially irreversible turn, with the "transfer picture" at Anfield shifting significantly ahead of the January window.
According to a new report from the Liverpool Echo, the club’s stance on keeping their talisman has wavered following an "explosive" fallout between the player and head coach Arne Slot.
Salah, currently away on international duty with Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), has been the subject of intense speculation after being benched for three consecutive matches—a decision that led to a scathing interview in which he claimed the club had "thrown him under the bus".
The "Shift" in Stance
Previously, Liverpool’s hierarchy was determined to keep Salah until at least the summer of 2026. However, the report suggests that the "picture has shifted" due to the toxicity of the current situation. There is now a growing acceptance within the club that a parting of ways in January might be the best solution for all parties to protect the team's harmony as they chase Champions League qualification.
The Echo notes that while Salah’s legacy is secure, the "unhelpful noise" created by his public dissatisfaction has forced the board to reconsider their position. With the player turning 34 in the summer and his transfer value plummeting to around £30million according to some metrics, cashing in now could be the last chance to recoup a significant fee.
Saudi Arabia "Ready to Do Whatever It Takes"
Waiting in the wings are the Saudi Pro League giants. Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad have reportedly reignited their interest and are willing to do "whatever it takes" to bring the Egyptian icon to the Middle East immediately.
Unlike previous windows where Liverpool held all the cards, the power dynamic has flipped. Salah’s "gentleman’s agreement" to leave was originally thought to be for the summer, but the breakdown in relations with Slot has accelerated the timeline.
The Replacement Problem
The biggest hurdle for Liverpool remains finding a successor. The club has already suffered a blow in the market, with reported target Antoine Semenyo choosing to join Manchester City in a ÂŁ65m deal earlier this week.
With Alexander Isak also sidelined with a long-term injury, Liverpool are short on options. However, the report indicates that Federico Chiesa may be given the chance to step up in Salah’s absence, or the club could make a panic move for a short-term solution like free agent Divock Origi.
What Happens Next?
Salah’s participation in AFCON buys Liverpool some time, but negotiations are expected to ramp up behind the scenes. If a Saudi club puts a concrete offer on the table that matches Liverpool's revised valuation, the King of Egypt may have already played his final game in a red shirt.