Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has firmly rejected growing speculation about Mohamed Salah’s future, reassuring supporters that the forward continues to play a key role in his long-term strategy despite recently being left out of the starting XI.
Salah, now 33, has endured a subdued beginning to the Premier League campaign, scoring just four times and featuring for only 45 minutes across Liverpool’s previous two fixtures. His limited involvement has fuelled doubts about his form and reignited talk of renewed interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League. Although nothing formal has emerged, senior figures in Saudi Arabia are still believed to be monitoring his situation closely. The forward committed to a new contract in April, keeping him at Anfield until 2027, but that has not silenced outside curiosity.
Speaking on Friday ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Leeds United, Slot emphasised that Salah’s omission should not be interpreted as a sign of declining trust.
“Every player is in contention to start, and Mo is no exception,” Slot said. “He’s a special player for us. I think about him constantly, whether that’s to start a match or to make an impact from the bench.”
Salah was outstanding last season, scoring 29 goals as Liverpool secured the league title in Slot’s debut campaign. But the Egyptian was unused in last weekend’s win over West Ham and began Wednesday’s 1–1 draw with Sunderland on the bench, intensifying discussion around his status.
Slot admitted he understands why supporters and pundits have been debating the situation, given Salah’s stature.
“People will always talk when a player of his influence isn’t starting,” he said. “He has meant so much to this club for so many years, so naturally there’s going to be conversation.”
Since arriving in 2017, Salah has scored 250 goals in 420 appearances, cementing his legacy as one of Liverpool’s modern greats. Captain Virgil van Dijk echoed his manager’s message, insisting that competition within the squad remains healthy.
“He’s still a fantastic player,” Van Dijk said following the Sunderland match. “There’s a reason he’s been so important to the club. We rely on him a lot, and I want him around as one of our leaders. Of course he’s disappointed anyone would be if they don’t start two games in a row. But that reaction shows how much he cares.”
Van Dijk added that Slot’s decisions underline a long-standing principle at Liverpool: no one, not even the biggest stars, is immune from rotation. “Everyone has to earn their place. That’s how top teams operate.”
Liverpool head into the weekend sitting ninth in the table, 11 points adrift of leaders Arsenal and with just two wins in their last nine league matches pressure that only heightens scrutiny around Slot’s selections. Despite that, both manager and captain are adamant that Salah remains a vital figure as the team attempts to recover momentum.
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