Departure after AFCON?
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Mohamed Salah has sparked a row at Liverpool by claiming he wants to leave Anfield after the club ‘broke promises’ made to him. In the aftermath of their 3-3 draw with Leeds United, Salah left the Reds stunned when he told reporters at Elland Road his relationship with Arne Slot had broken down, having been benched for the third successive game.
“Someone wants me to take all the blame. The club promised me a lot in the summer. Now I’m sitting on the bench, so I can say they didn’t keep that promise,” the 33-year-old Egyptian told Viaplay. “I had a good relationship with the manager [Slot]. But suddenly we have no relationship at all and I don’t know why. Apparently, someone doesn’t want me at the club anymore.”
Salah on Liverpool’s crisis: “I don’t think I’m the problem”
Salah’s contract runs until 2027, having only extended it in April after lengthy negotiations and speculation about a transfer. According to media reports, Saudi Arabia’s top club Al-Hilal is still interested in signing him, and Turkish champions Galatasaray have also been mentioned in recent transfer rumours.
The multi-award-winning winger made a telling announcement ahead of Saturday’s home game: “I called my parents and told them to come to the game against Brighton. It doesn’t matter whether I play or not. I’m going to enjoy it. I’m just going to be at Anfield and say goodbye to the fans before the Africa Cup of Nations because I don’t know what will happen then.” On December 22, the Egyptian national team will play their first match against Zimbabwe in the tournament in Morocco. Salah will travel to join the team a week earlier.
The veteran has been playing for Liverpool since 2017. He said his current situation is “unacceptable” and that he feels like he has been “thrown under the bus. I don’t think I’m the problem. I’ve done so much for the club.” Salah also referred to last season’s title-winning season where he was the top scorer with 29 goals. He has contributed 250 goals and 116 assists in 420 games for the Reds. He ranks third among the club’s record goalscorers behind Ian Rush (346) and Roger Hunt (285).