Mohamed Salah reported for Liverpool training on Tuesday as uncertainty grows around his future at the Premier League champions, with Saudi clubs preparing a January move for the Egyptian star.
The 33-year-old forward was excluded from Liverpool’s Champions League squad to face Inter Milan after publicly criticising manager Arne Slot for benching him in three consecutive matches. Following Sunday’s 3–3 draw with Leeds, Salah said he felt “thrown under the bus” and claimed he no longer had a relationship with Slot — comments that fuelled speculation he could leave Anfield in January despite signing a lucrative new deal in April.
Salah later posted a photo of himself training alone in the club’s gym on Tuesday.
His outburst has sparked renewed interest in Saudi Arabia, where a source within the Public Investment Fund (PIF) told AFP the kingdom is prepared to do “whatever it can” to secure the signing. “We are following Salah’s situation closely and believe a move — either on loan or a permanent deal — is possible,” the source said on condition of anonymity.
When asked in Milan whether Salah had played his final game for the Reds, Slot responded: “I have no clue. He has every right to feel what he feels, but he doesn’t have the right to share it with the media.”
According to the PIF source, there have been no formal talks with Liverpool, but “there will be a move at the right moment.” Saudi officials reportedly want Salah to join the Pro League in January alongside stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo.
PIF owns majority stakes in Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, and Al-Ittihad, but competition for Salah is expected to be fierce. Al-Qadsiah — backed by Saudi oil giant Aramco — is also interested in signing the Arab world’s most prominent football star.
Salah, who did not feature at all against Leeds, is also scheduled to join Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations after Liverpool’s next Premier League match against Brighton. He expressed deep frustration after being benched again, saying: “I got a lot of promises in the summer, and so far I’m on the bench for three games. I can’t say they kept the promise.”
He added that his previously strong relationship with Slot had suddenly deteriorated: “I don’t know why, but it seems to me someone doesn’t want me in the club.”
The turmoil comes during a difficult season for both Salah and Liverpool. Although he has been central to Liverpool’s success — contributing to two Premier League titles and a Champions League triumph — he has struggled this season, scoring just four goals in 13 league appearances. Liverpool currently sit 10th in the table.
Despite his form, the Saudi source remains confident in Salah’s impact: “All players have ups and downs. Salah is just 33 and still has much to offer. He is loved worldwide and would have a massive impact on the Saudi League both on and off the pitch.”
