With Mohamed Salah’s form fading and Al-Ittihad circling, Liverpool face a brutal decision on their £400k-a-week talisman to avoid a total frontline collapse.
Liverpool’s Premier League title defense is officially on the ropes. While Arne Slot’s side managed to steady the ship with a gritty win over Sunderland, the reality is stark: the Reds sit three points behind Manchester United in the race for the top four.
While the defense has found its feet under Virgil van Dijk, the frontline is stuttering. Cody Gakpo has become the primary scapegoat, but there is a growing, more painful realization dawning on the Anfield faithful—it might be time to say goodbye to Mohamed Salah.
The Gakpo Mirror: A Frustrating Decline
Cody Gakpo’s struggle is well-documented. After an 18-goal campaign last term, the Dutchman has become “predictable and one-dimensional,” often stifling the Reds’ fluidity. However, at 26, Gakpo has time. The same cannot be said for Salah.
Mohamed Salah: The 2025/26 Slump
- Appearances: 18 (Premier League)
- Goals: 4
- Assists: 6
- Salary: £400,000-per-week
The “Egyptian King,” who once redefined what it meant to be a winger in England, is now being criticized for his lack of defensive work and a sudden “bluntness” in front of goal. After a superhuman 2024/25 season where he notched 47 goal contributions, the tank appears to be empty.
The Saudi Temptation
FSG now finds itself at a crossroads. According to recent reports, Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad have reopened talks with Salah’s representatives.
For a player who cost just £34m from Roma and transformed into an immortal presence with 251 goals, a massive summer bid from the Middle East offers Liverpool a “get out of jail free” card. With his contract running until 2027 and his physical levels dropping, cashing in now is the only logical business move.
Time for a New Era?
Richard Hughes and the Liverpool recruitment team already have their work cut out for them. Following the decision to sell Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich without a replacement, the left-wing remains a priority. But the right flank is now an even bigger fire to put out.
Premier League Output Comparison (24/25 vs 25/26):
| Statistic | Salah (24/25) | Salah (25/26 – Mid-season) |
| :— | :— | :— |
| G/A | 47 | 10 |
| Status | League Leader | Struggling Legend |
Salah doesn’t seem like the type to “play second fiddle,” as evidenced by his flare-up in December. To avoid a toxic end to a legendary career, FSG must be bold. Selling a “superstar” is never popular, but to rebuild a title-winning frontline, Liverpool must recognize when an era has reached its end.
Miguel Manjate is a football journalist and editor covering the Premier League, European competitions, and transfer news, with a strong focus on match analysis and data-driven reporting.
