Steven Gerrard reveals talks with Mohamed Salah ahead of Liverpool exit | OneFootball

Liverpool Future in Focus as Gerrard Advises Salah

Salah Interview Fallout Raises Questions

Late in 2025, Liverpool found themselves navigating more than just a turbulent 3-3 draw at Elland Road. Mohamed Salah, unusually peripheral under Arne Slot in recent weeks, stepped into the mixed zone and delivered words that carried weight far beyond the result. It was a moment that hinted at deeper tensions, and one that quickly reshaped the narrative around his future.

The response was immediate. Salah was left out of the squad for the subsequent European clash with Inter Milan, a decision that underlined the seriousness of the situation. For a player who has defined an era at Liverpool, the episode felt jarring, almost out of character.

Gerrard Steps In Behind the Scenes

It is here that Steven Gerrard’s influence emerges, not as a distant observer but as a figure still deeply connected to the club’s identity. Speaking recently, Gerrard revealed a private conversation with Salah, urging him to ensure that his Liverpool story does not end in discord.

“He [Salah] obviously had a disagreement with the manager. I don’t know at what level. Obviously, he’s done the interview, which I think he’ll regret, further down the line.

“But that told me that there was an issue there. I think also, even going back before that, I think Liverpool as a club probably only wanted to give Mo Salah one year rather than the two because he had such an outstanding season and he was relentless and his numbers were great.

“They have given him a two-year, but for me I only really ever seen it as another one year at that level. We’ve all played in them years and stuff and I just think for everyone, it’s in everyone’s interests for it to end, but also end on Mo Salah’s terms. So I spoke to him around that interview at the time and sort of said to him, ‘look, don’t do what you’ve done and go under a cloud.’ Yeah, I spoke to him direct, yeah.”

There is a clarity in Gerrard’s words, shaped by experience. He understands how quickly legacy can shift in football, and how important the final chapter can be.

Departure Timeline Becoming Clearer

Salah returned to the side briefly after that episode, featuring against Brighton before heading off to AFCON duties. Since then, he has resumed a starting role, a reminder of his enduring quality, even as the end approaches.

Now, with confirmation that Salah will leave Liverpool at the end of the 2025 to 2026 season, the focus turns to how his time will be remembered. Nine years of extraordinary output, goals, assists, records, and moments that have defined a generation of supporters.

Replacement Debate Begins at Liverpool

Replacing Salah is not a simple task, something Gerrard acknowledges. He pointed to emerging options while recognising the gap that will inevitably be left behind.

“I like Summerville. He is brilliant in one v ones, he looks hungry. In a team that has struggled he has been a shining light and got better as the season has gone on.

”I really like Bowen and think he is a top player but I am not sure he is Salah’s level to replace him.”

Liverpool’s next step will require more than recruitment. It will demand a reimagining of how they replace not just Salah’s numbers, but his presence. Few players leave behind such a complete imprint.