Mohamed Salah's Return to Liverpool Marks a Tentative Step Towards Reconciliation After Controversy
On December 13, 2025, at Anfield, Mohamed Salah made a notable return to Liverpool's starting lineup following a week of controversy involving manager Arne Slot. Salah began the Premier League match against Brighton on the bench but was introduced in the 26th minute to replace Joe Gomez as part of a tactical reshuffle. After coming on, he provided an assist in the 75th minute, contributing to Liverpool's victory over Brighton.
The return was marked by a one-man lap of honour and the display of banners and murals dedicated to Salah, signaling his efforts to rebuild trust with supporters in the wake of the dispute with Slot. Reports indicated that Friday talks between Salah and Slot helped clear the air, enabling his recall and fostering space for reconciliation ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Among Liverpool fans, sentiment remained mixed, with some wanting Salah out of the club and others supporting his return and ongoing leadership within the team. The situation has been framed as potentially the start of an apology rather than a definitive resolution to the broader dispute between Salah and Liverpool.
