Mohamed Salah’s deteriorating relationship with Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has opened the door for a sensational return to Serie A, with former club AS Roma reportedly ready to offer the Egyptian King an escape route.
According to a new report from The Mirror, the Giallorossi have registered concrete interest in bringing the 33-year-old back to the Stadio Olimpico, where he first established himself as a world-class talent between 2015 and 2017.
The development comes amid a toxic backdrop at Anfield. Salah, currently on international duty with Egypt at AFCON, recently gave an "explosive" interview criticising his treatment after being benched by Slot for key fixtures. This public breakdown in trust has alerted clubs across Europe and the Middle East that a January exit could be a genuine possibility.
A "Dream" Return to Rome
While the Saudi Pro League has long been viewed as Salah’s inevitable destination, the allure of returning to Rome offers a different narrative. Salah scored 34 goals in 83 appearances for the Italian side, a spell that convinced Liverpool to pay £43million for his services almost a decade ago.
Reports from Italy (via La Repubblica) suggest that a return is currently a "dream scenario" for the club’s hierarchy, who view Salah as the perfect figurehead to reinvigorate their own stalling project. With Roma desperate for Champions League qualification, adding a player of Salah’s pedigree—even on a short-term basis—would be a statement of intent.
The Obstacles
Any potential deal is fraught with complexity. Salah still has 18 months remaining on the contract he signed last year, and his wages remain a significant hurdle for any European club without state backing. A loan deal with a wage-share agreement has been mooted as the most viable path for a January switch, allowing Liverpool to remove a disgruntled star from the dressing room while Roma gain an elite forward for the business end of the season.
Furthermore, Salah’s participation in AFCON means he would not be available until February if Egypt go deep in the tournament. This "unavailable" status complicates negotiations, as Roma would be signing a player they cannot use immediately.
Saudi Interest Cools?
Interestingly, the report suggests that while Saudi interest remains, clubs like Al-Ittihad may be willing to wait until the summer to secure him as a marquee signing for the 2026/27 campaign. This hesitation has left the door ajar for Roma to swoop in now, offering Salah a chance to continue competing at the highest level in Europe before making a semi-retirement move to the Middle East.
What Happens Next?
The ball is firmly in Liverpool’s court. If Arne Slot decides that the bridge with his star winger is burned beyond repair, the club may sanction a cut-price exit or loan to restore harmony. For Salah, a return to the city where he revived his career could be the perfect emotional antidote to his bitter end at Anfield.