Liverpool’s Champions League win over Inter last night could be the start of a new era for the club. An era without Mohammed Salah.
On the 10th April 2025, Mo Salah is sat upon his throne in front of the Kop as the King of Anfield. A King in front of his people. Liverpool are eleven points clear at the top of the Premier League and cruising to the Premier League title.
The trophy’s travel to Anfield is already booked, it is a matter of when it will make its appearance now. Come the end of the season the Egyptian King finished top of the scoring and assists charts. Was also named the PFA Player of the Year 2024/25.
A new contract from the Liverpool hierarchy was almost a formality. A club that loves the player, a player that loves the club and a unique connection with the Anfield faithful. Then the 2025/26 season season arrives. Mo Salah has looked vastly different to previous iterations of the winger.
So far he has scored just five goals in 19 appearances. Liverpool, the Premier League Champions have looked a shell of their former selves. Was the departure of Trent Alexander the downfall of Liverpool? Was he that important to the side?
Consideration has to be given to a new playing style implemented by Arne Slot. It has clearly impacted Mohamed Salah. The 4-3-3 that allowed the Egyptian to thrive for many seasons. Has been replaced by a 4-2-3-1 to accommodate summer signing Florian Wirtz.
Long gone are the days of the golden triangle on Liverpool’s right-hand side. A developed understanding between Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jordan Henderson and Mo Salah. His two team-mates that had the work-rate, engine, tactical awareness and passing brilliance to allow him to bypass defensive duties and provide the ball often and at speed.
As seen at the start of this season, Salah’s lack of defending is now exploited by opposition. On the other side of the ball, his attacking numbers were down almost across the board. All of this led him to being dropped to benched for an away trip to East London to face West Ham.
He has not returned to the starting line-up since. A four-game spell that has coincided with Liverpool not losing once. Although, it must be said five points come from games against struggling West Ham. Liverpool are underachieving and evidence of the problems at the club being far greater than one individual.
Following the draw to Leeds, Salah stopped in the mixed zone to make comments that have dominated headlines since.
Salah is not renowned for being an outspoken player, he does not one storming off the pitch after a defeat and fume to the media; nor does he revel in their praise when his side win.He has throughout his career stood as a quiet, yet assured figure. So when he talks, people listen.
Whether this latest outburst was predetermined can only be speculated on but it is causing an effect.Left out of the squad travelling to Milan. He posted a photo on social media of him in an empty gym at Liverpool’s training facility. From a throne to a gym bench.
Liverpool host Brighton on Saturday which may be Salah’s last game on Merseyside with interest from both the MLS and the Saudi Pro-League rife.
Following that he will join up with his international team-mates and look to prove that he still is the Egyptian King at the upcoming AFCON.
