Mohamed Salah expected to leave Liverpool this summer amid reported Slot tensions
Mohamed Salah is expected to depart Liverpool at the end of the season, concluding a challenging campaign for both the player and the club. The Egyptian forward's potential exit follows a reported difficult relationship with manager Arne Slot and his least productive goal-scoring season since joining the Reds.
According to sources close to the situation, the 31-year-old's departure is now considered likely when the transfer window opens. Salah, who signed a contract extension until 2027 just last year, has managed only ten goals this season, a significant drop from his usual prolific output. His compatriot and former international teammate Mohamed Aboutrika has publicly criticized Slot's management, suggesting it is a key factor in Salah's anticipated exit.
Speaking on beIN Sports, Aboutrika claimed that "the Premier League will become like the Thai league after the departure of Salah and Guardiola." He strongly defended Salah's right to decide his own future, stating, "One of the reasons for Mohamed Salah leaving Liverpool is the presence of Arne Slot. I think Mo has fully earned the right to decide when he feels he needs to leave. And he has done so much for this club. Salah does not need any validation, from Slot or anyone else."
The situation marks a stark reversal from last summer, when Salah's long-term commitment seemed assured following his contract extension. His current season has been disrupted by injury and a noticeable dip in form, coinciding with Liverpool's overall struggles to challenge for the Premier League title. The club faces a major squad overhaul, with Salah's potential departure representing the most significant change.
For Liverpool, losing their iconic forward would signal the end of an era and create a substantial void in attack. Salah has been the club's talisman since arriving from Roma in 2017, scoring over 200 goals and winning every major honour, including the Premier League and Champions League. His marketability and consistent goal threat have been central to the team's identity under successive managers.
The financial implications of a transfer remain unclear, with no fee or destination mentioned in the current reports. Given his age and high wages, a move to the Saudi Pro League, which pursued him aggressively last summer, is considered a plausible outcome. However, interest from other European clubs cannot be ruled out if Salah seeks to continue at the highest level.
For Salah, a move would offer a fresh start after a storied seven-year spell at Anfield. The criticism from his camp suggests a belief that his legacy is secure and that he has earned the autonomy to choose his next step. His departure would leave Arne Slot with the monumental task of rebuilding Liverpool's attack without their most reliable scorer of the modern era. The coming months will determine the final chapter of Salah's Liverpool career and shape the club's direction for years to come.
