Is a Departure Coming After AFCON?
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Mohamed Salah has created a stir at Liverpool by expressing his desire to leave Anfield, claiming the club has ‘broken promises’ made to him. Following the Reds’ 3-3 draw against Leeds United, Salah shocked reporters at Elland Road by stating that his relationship with manager Arne Slot has deteriorated, given that he has been benched for three consecutive matches.
“Someone seems to want me to take all the blame. The club promised me a lot during the summer. Now I’m sitting on the bench, so I believe they haven’t kept that promise,” the 33-year-old Egyptian told Viaplay. “I used to have a good rapport with the manager, but now it feels like we have no relationship at all, and I don’t understand why. It seems like someone no longer wants me here.”
Salah Weighs In on Liverpool’s Crisis: “I Don’t Think I’m the Problem”
Salah’s current contract runs until 2027, having just renewed it last April amid speculation about a potential transfer. Recent reports indicate that Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal remains interested in him, while Turkish champions Galatasaray have also been linked in the latest transfer rumors.
The decorated winger made an impactful statement before Saturday’s home match: “I called my parents and invited them to the game against Brighton. Regardless of whether I play or not, I’m looking forward to it. I just want to be at Anfield to say goodbye to the fans before the Africa Cup of Nations, as I am uncertain about what might happen after.” The Egyptian national team will face Zimbabwe in their opening match on December 22 in Morocco, and Salah is set to join the squad a week prior.
Having played for Liverpool since 2017, Salah described his current situation as “unacceptable,” claiming he feels “thrown under the bus.” He asserted, “I don’t see myself as the problem. I have contributed so much to the club.” He reflected on last season’s title-winning campaign, where he was the top scorer with 29 goals. In total, he has achieved 250 goals and 116 assists in 420 appearances for the Reds, placing him third on the club’s all-time scoring list, behind Ian Rush and Roger Hunt.
