Could Mohamed Salah return to Liverpool after Arne Slot sacking? | OneFootball

Could Mohamed Salah Perform the Ultimate Liverpool U-Turn?

Slot’s Exit Changes Everything

One of the most fascinating consequences of Arne Slot’s departure may have nothing to do with Liverpool’s next manager.

Instead, it could revolve around the future of Mohamed Salah.

Only a week ago, it appeared certain that the Egyptian King had played his final game at Anfield. The standing ovation against Brentford felt emotional. The farewell atmosphere was unmistakable. Supporters applauded a player who many believed was preparing to leave Liverpool after one of the greatest careers in the club’s modern history.

Yet football changes quickly.

And managerial changes often alter situations that previously seemed impossible to reverse.

It was difficult throughout the season to escape the feeling that Salah and Slot never truly aligned. The Dutch coach wanted control, structure and measured football. Salah has spent the best years of his career thriving in systems built around freedom, intensity, movement and attacking aggression.

The chemistry never looked natural.

Despite still producing moments of brilliance, Salah often appeared isolated within Liverpool’s attacking structure. Too frequently he was forced to create everything himself rather than operating within the fluid and devastating attacking framework that had once made Liverpool one of Europe’s most feared sides.

Now Slot has gone.

That changes the entire conversation.

If Liverpool is about to appoint a more progressive and aggressive coach, one capable of restoring the intensity that disappeared throughout much of last season, then suddenly Salah may view his situation very differently.

After all, his contract technically still has time remaining.

The assumption has always been that Liverpool and Salah would agree to terminate the final year early.

An assumption is not a certainty.

One Final Year Could Benefit Everyone

The emotional argument for Salah staying is obvious.

This is a footballing legend. One of the greatest players Liverpool has ever possessed.

A player whose goals, assists, professionalism and availability have helped deliver some of the most successful years in the club’s modern history.

Yet there are football reasons too.

Liverpool is entering a period of uncertainty. A new manager appears likely. The futures of several senior players remain unresolved. Recruitment will be ongoing throughout the summer. Hugo Ekitike is injured and new assets may take months to bed in.

In those circumstances, removing one of the dressing room’s biggest leaders and most productive attackers may not be the wisest course of action.

Even at this stage of his career, Salah remains capable of deciding matches.

His assist for Curtis Jones against Brentford was a reminder of that, his absolute brilliance in the final third. The vision, execution and technical quality remain elite. His movement remains intelligent. His influence remains enormous.

Most importantly, he still appears motivated.

If Liverpool approached him with a revised vision for the future under a new head coach, there is every chance he would listen.

Supporters would certainly welcome it.

The reaction he received during his final appearance demonstrated exactly how much affection remains between player and fanbase. Unlike many departures in football, this relationship has never fractured.

Could a sensational U-turn happen? Absolutely. Will it happen?

That remains far less certain.

Financial considerations, family plans and opportunities elsewhere will all influence the decision.

However, if Salah’s reluctance to remain was driven as much by the coaching environment as anything else, then the removal of Arne Slot may have reopened a door that many assumed had already closed.

And if there is even the slightest chance of keeping Mohamed Salah for one final season, Liverpool’s new hierarchy and incoming manager should explore it fully.

Players of his calibre do not come around very often.

Liverpool knows that better than anyone.