Mohamed Salah was among the first to exit the Liverpool dressing room after Sunday’s victory over Nottingham Forest. When asked if he would like to speak to reporters, the Egyptian forward smiled politely and declined before heading toward the team bus. There was no need for words—his place in the starting XI now speaks loudly enough.
It has been over two months since Salah’s explosive post-match comments at Leeds United, when he openly suggested he felt “thrown under the bus” after being omitted from the starting lineup for a third consecutive game. That moment created headlines and sparked debate about his relationship with manager Arne Slot and the club hierarchy. Regardless of public opinion, the episode appears to have shifted momentum in Salah’s favour.
Injuries within the squad have undoubtedly influenced selection decisions. Since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations in January, Salah has started every match for Liverpool. Prior to his departure for the tournament, Slot had left him out of the starting XI for five straight games—an unusual situation for a player of his stature.
Sources close to the forward revealed that a carefully worded social media statement had been considered instead of the candid interview at Elland Road. However, Salah’s frustration was so intense that he preferred to voice his feelings publicly and directly. “It seems to me that someone doesn’t want me at the club,” he said at the time—words that sent shockwaves through the fanbase.
In the days that followed, Salah reportedly apologized to teammates and held constructive discussions with Slot. The manager later insisted that the matter had been resolved. Salah then shifted his focus to international duty, where he rediscovered both form and joy.
Members of the Egypt national team described him as happier than ever during the tournament. One insider told BBC Sport that it was “the best camp” Salah had experienced in his career. On the pitch, he thrived, playing with freedom and confidence.
Upon returning to Liverpool, Salah was immediately reinstated into the starting lineup. Following an FA Cup victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, in which he recorded both a goal and an assist, Slot publicly praised his defensive contributions. The Dutch manager emphasized that beyond scoring, Salah’s pressing and off-the-ball work were equally valuable to the team’s overall structure.
Statistically, there has been improvement in certain aspects of his game. Compared to last season, Salah has increased his efforts in regaining possession in advanced areas. Since returning from Afcon, he has contributed two goals and four assists in eight appearances. However, for a player who consistently sets extraordinary standards, attention naturally shifts to what appears to be missing.
His Premier League goal drought has become a talking point. Salah has not scored in the league since November. If he fails to find the net against West Ham United at Anfield, it will mark ten consecutive league games without a goal—his longest dry spell in England’s top flight.
Slot addressed the situation calmly, suggesting that Salah’s remarkably high standards make even minor dips seem dramatic. “When he doesn’t score for a few matches, everyone is surprised—that’s the biggest compliment,” Slot explained.
Indeed, Salah’s legacy has been built on relentless productivity. This season, he averages 0.56 goal involvements per league game, a noticeable drop from last season’s remarkable 1.25 average, when he topped both scoring and assist charts. His shot frequency, touches inside the penalty area, and expected goals (xG) per 90 minutes have all declined compared to the previous campaign.
Yet perspective is essential. Despite the dip, Salah still ranks among the team’s top contributors. He has recorded ten league goal involvements, surpassing notable players such as Cole Palmer and Bukayo Saka in that metric. Only Hugo Ekitike has more for Liverpool this season.
Liverpool remain competitive in multiple competitions, including the FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League. Realistically, their chances of lifting silverware and securing Champions League qualification increase significantly with Salah performing at his peak.
Teammate Milos Kerkez recently shared a photo on social media showcasing Salah’s impressive trophy collection, humorously suggesting he collects awards with vending-machine consistency. The joke resonated because it contains truth: Salah’s individual accolades are numerous.
His standing in Liverpool and Premier League history is secure. With 283 goal involvements in the English top division, he has silenced critics who once labeled him a one-season wonder. In all competitions for Liverpool, he has scored 252 goals, trailing only Roger Hunt (285) and Ian Rush (346) on the club’s all-time scoring list. Should he remain until 2027, he could move into second place.
However, speculation about his future persists. Reports suggest a summer exit is increasingly possible, dependent on formal offers and wage negotiations. Interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia and Major League Soccer in the United States could shape the next chapter of his career. Liverpool, for their part, may prefer to sell rather than risk losing him on a free transfer next year.
Despite transfer rumors, Salah remains deeply connected to the city. He and his family are settled in northwest England and appreciate life in Britain. The affectionate reception he received at Anfield after his public outburst demonstrated that supporters continue to hold him in the highest regard.
Whether this season marks the beginning of a farewell or simply another chapter in an illustrious journey remains uncertain. Only Salah truly knows his intentions. For now, he continues to smile, start matches, and chase further success in a red shirt.
If these are indeed the closing months of his Liverpool story, expect him to push relentlessly for a memorable ending. Few players have shaped a modern era as profoundly as Salah. Whatever happens next, his impact on Liverpool and the Premier League is already legendary.
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