Mohamed Salah has returned to Liverpool following the Africa Cup of Nations, with speculation continuing about the winger’s future at Anfield amid Saudi Arabia interest and contract talks
Abbie Meehan Sports Writer U-35s
06:00, 28 Jan 2026
Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool future is unclear(Image: Getty Images)
Mohamed Salah has returned from the Africa Cup of Nations, yet rumors about his future at Liverpool persist.
Earlier this season, the Egyptian ace’s tenure with the Reds appeared shaky following a public disagreement with Arne Slot, who relegated him from Liverpool’s starting line-up. However, the Dutch coach has confirmed that they’ve buried the hatchet, which could influence the forward’s future plans.
But as Slot’s Premier League results continue to underwhelm, the club’s hierarchy might be receptive to bids for some of its experienced players, including Salah. For now, Slot remains in charge of Liverpool, and Salah is back in the matchday squad.
READ MORE: Arne Slot makes ‘difficult’ Liverpool squad admission after unfair scrutinyREAD MORE: Arne Slot shares Andy Robertson transfer belief after Tottenham deal called off
But as we’ve seen before, things can change rapidly – so what lies ahead for one of Anfield’s heroes? Here, Liverpool.com delves into the potential routes for the modern-day Reds icon…
January transfer
Salah’s future was up in the air after his fallout with Slot. He accused the club of “throwing him under the bus” after being omitted from the starting eleven for three successive matches.
The Egyptian also disclosed that his relationship with the manager had soured, leading to his omission from Liverpool’s squad for the clash against Inter Milan. The situation was promptly addressed, with Slot asserting there was “no issue to resolve.”
Arne Slot has spoken about Salah(Image: Getty Images)
When probed about Salah, the manager stated: “For me, he’s now the same as any other player.”
When pressed further about a possible exit from the club this month, Slot added: “I think you already know the answer to that.”
While a January move appears improbable, in soccer, nothing is ever entirely off the table.
Saudi switch
Should Salah opt against remaining at Liverpool, a transfer to Saudi Arabia looks to be the likeliest option. In 2023, the Reds rejected a substantial bid for the winger from Al-Ittihad, and it wouldn’t come as a shock if the club retains its interest.
In December 2025, Sky Sports reported that the prospect of Salah moving to the Saudi Pro League hadn’t been dismissed, with Al Hilal also having previously expressed interest. Nevertheless, it’s understood that SPL sides would need a definitive indication from the player showing his willingness to relocate before tabling an offer.
Salah appeared set for a Saudi Arabia switch last summer before penning a contract extension in April of the preceding year, securing his future at the club until 2027. SPL clubs may want to test Liverpool’s resolve before the campaign ends, but it’s growing more probable that any transfer will occur ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Sees out contract
Currently, Salah is contracted to Liverpool until the summer of 2027. When this deal runs out, Salah will be nearing 35.
The supporters’ clear love and respect for the Egyptian could convince him to honor his contract – and possibly spend the rest of his playing days – at the club. That said, a more financially attractive proposition and a fresh challenge elsewhere could also be possibilities.
Fire Arne Slot
Premier League supporters might see similarities with the circumstances surrounding Kobbie Mainoo and Ruben Amorim at Manchester United. Under Amorim’s stewardship, the academy graduate had been limited to fewer than 180 minutes throughout the entire season, without a solitary league start.
But since interim boss Michael Carrick assumed control, Mainoo has started both fixtures and completed the full 90 minutes in each. He has delivered two victories and covered more distance than any other player in triumphs against Manchester City and Arsenal.
Might Salah experience a comparable scenario under Slot if he were to be fired before the campaign concludes? Last season, the forward accumulated 4,501 minutes and bagged 34 goals, contributing 23 assists to help Liverpool secure the Premier League title.
This season, Salah has recorded five goals and five assists across 1,768 minutes on the field. Could a new manager rekindle the goalscoring prowess he’s demonstrated reliably for the Reds over multiple seasons? At this moment, there’s nothing to indicate Slot is close to losing his job, and he remains in charge.