Mohamed Salah's Role and Future at Liverpool Amid Team Rebuilding
Mohamed Salah, now 33, remains an iconic figure at Liverpool, but recent developments have cast uncertainty over his role and the club’s future. Salah has been left out of the starting XI for Liverpool's last three matches and was not selected for the Champions League fixture against Inter Milan. Although he trained on Monday and might play against Brighton, he is set to travel to Morocco for the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt as the transfer window opens.
Liverpool offered Salah a contract extension amid a push to redefine the team's identity; however, this approach appears to have backfired, creating tension within the squad. Liverpool’s core players whose contracts expired this summer included Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Virgil van Dijk. Alexander-Arnold departed for Real Madrid, while Salah and Van Dijk remain but have experienced a decline both in form and influence.
Salah’s form this season is concerning, having scored only three non-penalty league goals. There is also a noted lack of on-field chemistry between him and the new forwards. Additionally, he seems reluctant or unable to shoulder the increased defensive responsibilities required by Liverpool’s switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation, a change that has also led to criticism around his adaptation. Salah reportedly posted a critical message on the social media platform X regarding the celebration of new signings, adding to the perception of internal friction.
The article questions Liverpool's decision to offer Salah a new contract if the club is simultaneously preparing for a post-Salah era. It suggests that this strategy has been sentimental and disruptive rather than offering a cohesive plan for rebuilding.
Overall, neither Salah nor Liverpool appears to emerge strongly from the current situation. Internal tensions, mismanagement of timing, and challenges surrounding post-contract rebuilding have created an unsettled atmosphere at the club.
