The Liverpool latest sees Mohamed Salah send a message as a grim forecast is also made
Mo Salah spent nine years at Liverpool(Image: Liverpool)
Liverpool will be turning their attention to a busy summer following the conclusion of the 2025/2026 campaign. Many feel significant summer reconstruction in the transfer market is required if Arne Slot and his squad are to launch a genuine title bid next term.
The Reds’ defence of their 20th top-flight crown fizzled out disappointingly last season as Arsenal and Manchester City battled it out. The Gunners eventually clinched their first championship in 22 years, leaving Liverpool with considerable ground to makeup if they’re to reclaim the title from Mikel Arteta’s champions.
Though if they are to mount a challenge, they’ll need to do so without Mohamed Salah, who has featured in his final match for the club. Today’s Liverpool latest sees Salah deliver a parting message to Slot, while a Reds icon has offered a gloomy forecast about next season that no Liverpool supporter will wish to hear.
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Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen doesn’t think Liverpool will be positioned to challenge Arsenal for the Premier League title next season. Owen, who netted 158 goals for the Reds, believes both Manchester United and City stand a stronger chance of overtaking Arteta’s side.
“I think a challenge next season is only going to come from Manchester,” the former England striker told Metro. “I think Man City will be strong. They ran Arsenal very close this season and have a good group of young players who have shown will be in a title race next season and with two domestic cups, they will come back stronger.
Former Liverpool forward Michael Owen has sent a warning to Arne Slot(Image: (James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images))
“And it’s been a while but Manchester United can be a title contender under Michael Carrick. You look at their form since he arrived and it’s definitely one of a title contender. Liverpool will hope to challenge, but they need to get everything right to do so and I’m not sure they are there just yet.”
Owen’s prediction makes for grim reading for supporters, particularly given that next season both Manchester clubs will be managed by coaches who are yet to claim a Premier League title.
Should City mount a serious title challenge, they will need to do so without the iconic Pep Guardiola, who departs the club this summer. United, meanwhile, will be led by Michael Carrick, who penned a long-term contract on Friday having taken the reins from Ruben Amorim back in January.
Salah’s farewell message emerges
Salah has called on Slot and Liverpool to return to winning ways. The winger, alongside the outgoing Andy Robertson, were presented with gifts by the club to mark their nine years at Liverpool.
Having sparked controversy with a social media warning posted just under a fortnight ago over Liverpool’s disappointing form this season, Salah drove his message home in person to his now former teammates and the club’s coaching staff, Slot included.
Mohamed Salah was all smiles in his final training session with Liverpool(Image: Photo by Nikki Dyer – LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
“Wait, one more thing I want to say,” Salah said in front of the Liverpool squad. “Being Liverpool, to win something for Liverpool and win games, it’s the best thing that could happen to you.”
“I think it’s the best club in the world when you win something – and the worst club in the world when you lose.” Continuing with a cheeky six-word message, Salah added: “So you better win next year.”
“I don’t want to be emotional today, because tomorrow’s going to be an emotional day. But I have really appreciated every moment I’ve had at this club, I had a great time with all of you, and it’s something I will take in the future. So thank you very much and hopefully I will see you soon again.”
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