Journalist: MLS clubs have joined the race to sign Mohamed Salah | OneFootball

Journalist Provides Update on Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool Future

Liverpool’s season has drifted far from the promise of Arne Slot’s title winning debut, and the flashpoint defining this campaign continues to centre on Mohamed Salah. What once looked like a manageable disagreement has hardened into something more complex, and the latest insight from Lewis Steele, speaking to Dave Davis for Anfield Index, underlines why this situation still carries serious implications for Liverpool’s short and long term future.

The decision to drop Salah for three consecutive games against West Ham United, Sunderland and Leeds United proved combustible. Salah’s subsequent interview, where he said the club had “thrown him under the bus” and described his relationship with Slot as “broken”, ensured the issue could not be quietly smoothed over.

Fallout from Selection Calls

Liverpool’s handling of Salah since has felt reactive rather than strategic. He was left out entirely for the 1-0 win at Inter Milan, then reintroduced from the bench during the 2-0 victory over Brighton. Those moments suggested pragmatism rather than reconciliation.

Steele was clear that the problem has not disappeared, saying, “I don’t think it’s necessarily all sorted out. There’s probably still a lot of tension and it’s probably a good thing for all parties that Salah is away with Egypt for the next month.” AFCON provides physical distance, but it does not solve the core issue, which is trust.

Liverpool now sit seventh in the table, a dramatic comedown from champions to chasers. In that context, sidelining their most consistent attacking output has magnified scrutiny on Slot’s authority and judgement.

Summer Exit Gaining Traction

Speculation around Salah’s future has become unavoidable. Steele offered a measured but revealing assessment, stating, “I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he leaves Liverpool next summer.” That view aligns with the sense that January would be too chaotic, unless matters behind the scenes escalate sharply.

He added, “I still think he will see out this season unless something is happening behind the scenes.” That caveat matters. Liverpool’s public position remains firm, as Steele noted, “Liverpool are adamant that they won’t sell him and that they want him to stay.”

Interest is not lacking. “The Saudi clubs are definitely keen on him, as we have known for some time. There are a few MLS clubs on his tail, but I don’t know if they’d be able to afford him.” Financial power exists, but timing and leverage may suit a summer reset.

Photo: IMAGO

Role of Richard Hughes Behind Scenes

One of the more practical observations from Steele focused on Liverpool’s sporting structure. “Whilst Salah is away with Egypt, I think it would be wise for Richard Hughes to be having conversations with his agent and clear the air a little bit.” That window feels crucial.

Without dialogue, positions harden. Steele captured the emotional reality succinctly, saying, “Salah and Slot both respect each other, but they probably don’t like each other still.” Respect alone does not rebuild a fractured working relationship.

Tension That Cannot Be Ignored

Perhaps the most telling line was this, “Salah has made it clear what he thinks of Slot and that’s not the sort of thing that you shake hands and act like it never happened. There’s something deeper going on.” That depth is what Liverpool must confront.

This situation, explored thoughtfully by Lewis Steele through his conversation with Dave Davis for Anfield Index, highlights a club at a crossroads. Liverpool can attempt to manage decline through authority, or reassert stability through dialogue. The coming months will reveal whether this rift defines the end of Salah’s Anfield era, or merely one of its most turbulent chapters.