Mohamed Salah has been a key player for Liverpool for years, winning them trophy after trophy with his goal contributions
Mohamed Salah’s final words to Liverpool before jetting off for AFCON have left Arne Slot with plenty to think about ahead of the transfer window. The Reds have clawed their way back up to fifth in the Premier League table after a string of positive results and will be looking to close the gap on Arsenal and Manchester City.
Liverpool’s poor run was made worse by a public row between Salah and Slot, following the Egyptian’s unexpected drop down to the bench. After some tense discussions, Salah was put back in the team and provided an assist as the Reds triumphed over Brighton 2-0 on December 13.
This assist saw Salah tally up 277 goal contributions for the club, surpassing any other player in Premier League history. The Egyptian winger took to social media to highlight this fact as he departed Anfield for AFCON, underlining the many factors Slot may need to weigh up as January looms.
Salah’s impact at Liverpool is immeasurable, with many of his goals paving the way to glory and trophies. Since his arrival in 2017, the 33-year-old has scored 250 goals and provided 117 assists in 421 appearances.
Two Premier League titles, one Champions League and a slew of domestic cups now sit in Salah’s trophy cabinet on Merseyside and it appears the seasoned footballer still has more to give.
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The Brighton clash might have marked Salah’s farewell appearance for the Reds amid his heated row with Slot. But the Dutch manager will surely weigh up the enormous goal threat he’d be sacrificing from that side should he decide to axe the Egyptian – something the player himself has made clear.
In Egypt’s AFCON opener against Zimbabwe, Salah struck a dramatic late winner as his nation recovered from a goal down to secure a 2-1 victory. This latest moment of magic underlines the forward’s significance for both club and country, with Salah repeatedly rescuing Liverpool from difficult situations.
The winger’s experience and leadership within the squad could also represent a significant blow mid-season, with the Reds currently battling for a Champions League spot.
Supporters would undoubtedly be gutted to witness the beloved figure depart Anfield, with many expressing their delight at Salah’s scoring record across social media platforms. One said: “No one is taking your place at the club soon. You’re a legend indeed.”
Another fan added: “I don’t think many in our fanbase understand what an achievement this is.”
Managing potential supporter unrest alongside a decline in attacking productivity might prove overwhelming for Slot, who has already endured intense scrutiny this campaign. But with merely five goals and four assists for Liverpool this season, questions could be raised over whether Salah is contributing sufficiently to justify his position in the side.
For comparison, Salah had a combined total of 26 goals and assists at this point last season. With just nine to his name so far this campaign, the decline in performance explains why Slot relegated him to the bench, leading to their public disagreement.
The Liverpool manager will be keen to avoid another internal conflict and may feel that the only solution is to facilitate the departure of one of them from Anfield. Clubs from the Saudi Pro League are reportedly keen on acquiring Salah, with a transfer fee of £100million being touted for his exit.
With plenty to ponder over the coming weeks, Slot will make his decision while Salah continues his quest to lift his first AFCON title with Egypt.
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