Liverpool future of Mo Salah remains delicately poised

Liverpool find themselves navigating familiar territory as Mo Salah’s future drifts back into focus. The forward has departed for the Africa Cup of Nations with questions lingering behind him, questions shaped by timing, tone and the delicate balance between authority and influence at a club undergoing transition.

At 33, Salah remains central to Liverpool’s ambitions, even if recent weeks have carried an edge. His comments after the win over Leeds earlier this month stirred discussion, directed pointedly towards head coach Arne Slot and accompanied by the suggestion that someone inside the club would welcome his departure. It was a rare public flash of frustration from a player usually measured in his words.

AFCON departure and brief Liverpool truce

Pragmatism followed. Salah was left out of the Champions League trip to Inter after discussions involving Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes. By the weekend, he was back in red, introduced from the bench against Brighton and immediately influential, supplying the assist for Hugo Ekitike in a performance that restored a sense of calm. Smiles returned, at least on the surface.

Now Salah turns his attention to Egypt. His AFCON campaign could stretch into mid January and Liverpool will spend that period without one of their defining figures. Uncertainty remains, not only about Egypt’s progress but about what follows when Salah returns to Merseyside.

Contract security and global interest

There is no contractual urgency. Salah signed a £400k per week extension last season that runs until 2027, a deal that reflected his enduring output and symbolic importance. Yet interest persists. Saudi Pro League clubs continue to monitor his situation closely and MLS remains a long term possibility for a player whose profile transcends leagues and borders.

Liverpool’s stance, however, appears firm. Any January movement would require more than external admiration or financial temptation.

January transfer stance clarified

Speaking on the Walk On podcast, Liverpool reporter James Pearce offered clarity on the club’s thinking, framing it as a matter of control and consent rather than negotiation.

“You’d like to think that common sense would dictate that everyone just agrees that Salah stays at Liverpool until the end of the season, and it’s reviewed come the summer,” he said. “But I think certainly the ball is very much in Salah’s court in terms of Liverpool are adamant they don’t want to lose him, so that is only going to change in January if he pushes hard for a move.”

For now, Salah’s focus will be singular. AFCON offers him the chance to win a first African title, a notable omission from an otherwise glittering career. Distractions would be unwelcome. Liverpool will hope he returns refreshed, recommitted and ready to shape the second half of their season.