Mohamed Salah returned to Liverpool training on Tuesday amid growing uncertainty over his future at the Premier League champions, as Saudi clubs reportedly eye a move for the star striker in the January transfer window.
The 33-year-old Egypt international was left out of Liverpool’s squad for their Champions League clash with Inter Milan following his public criticism of manager Arne Slot, after being left on the bench for a third consecutive match.
Salah said after Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Leeds on Sunday that he felt “thrown under the bus” by Slot and claimed he no longer had a working relationship with the manager. The comments have fueled speculation that Salah, Liverpool’s third-highest goalscorer in history could leave Anfield despite signing a lucrative contract extension in April. On Tuesday, he shared a photo of himself training alone in Liverpool’s gym.
Interest from Saudi Arabia has reportedly intensified. A source at the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), speaking anonymously to AFP, said they would do “whatever it can” to secure Salah, either via a loan or a permanent transfer.
Asked about Salah’s future at a pre-match press conference in Milan on Monday, Slot said: “I have no clue. He has every right to feel what he feels, but he doesn’t have the right to share it with the media.”
The PIF source confirmed that no formal negotiations with Liverpool were ongoing but suggested a move could happen at the right time. The Saudi league has become a hub for stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, and Salah is seen as a major potential addition.
PIF owns a 75% stake in clubs including Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, and Al-Ittihad. The source added that rival clubs, including Al Qadsiah backed by Saudi Aramco, are also interested, highlighting a competitive race for the Egyptian forward.
Salah, who will depart for the Africa Cup of Nations after Liverpool’s next Premier League match against Brighton, expressed frustration at his limited playing time. “I got a lot of promises in the summer and so far I am on the bench for three games,” he said. “I said many times before that I had a good relationship with the manager and all of a sudden we don’t have any relationship… it seems to me that someone doesn’t want me in the club.”
This season has been difficult for both Salah and Liverpool. The reigning Premier League champions sit 10th, and Salah has scored only four goals in 13 league appearances. Despite this, the PIF source stressed his global appeal: “Salah is a beloved footballer around the globe and will have a massive impact on the Saudi League both on and off the pitch.”
Salah has been central to Liverpool’s success in recent years, including two Premier League titles and a Champions League victory, and remains one of football’s most high-profile stars.
AFP
