Liverpool manager Arne Slot says there is “no reason” to want Mohamed Salah to leave the club and will meet the forward on Friday morning to discuss the situation ahead of the weekend fixture.
Tension After Leeds Draw
Salah said he had been “thrown under the bus” following Liverpool’s draw at Leeds on Saturday, and he was then omitted from the squad that faced Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday. The 33-year-old also told reporters in the Elland Road mixed zone that he had “earned his place” in the side.
Slot Firm on Wanting Salah to Stay
Asked about Salah’s future after the Egyptian signed a new two-year deal in April, Slot reiterated his stance: “I have no reasons to not want him to stay.” He confirmed further talks will take place and added that the outcome “will determine” whether Salah features on Saturday.
Liverpool Aim to End Draw Streak
Liverpool face Brighton at Anfield at 15:00 GMT on Saturday, looking to recover after back-to-back Premier League draws. Salah, who has 250 goals in 420 Liverpool matches, has not started in the league since 26 November and has been an unused substitute in two of the past three Premier League games. His most recent appearance was as a substitute in the 1-1 draw against Sunderland on 3 December.
Salah Set for AFCON Duty
Slot said multiple discussions had taken place after the Sunderland match, involving Salah, his representatives and club officials. The forward is expected to link up with Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday and may not return until after the 18 January final, depending on their progress.
Future Still Uncertain Amid External Interest
Salah has scored five goals across the Premier League and Champions League this season. Earlier this week, Slot admitted he had “no clue” whether Salah had already played his final game for Liverpool, although he remains confident players can reintegrate after difficult periods.
Saudi interest persists, with Saudi Pro League CEO Omar Mugharbel confirming Salah remains a target.
Slot Clarifies Decision-Making Power
Slot faced several questions on Friday about his relationship with Salah and whether he has autonomy over team selections. He explained that the decision to leave Salah out of the Inter game “was made as a club,” though he emphasised that sporting director Richard Hughes and CEO Michael Edwards allow him full control of picking the line-up.
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