In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the football world, Liverpool appear poised to part ways with their talismanic forward Mohamed Salah. Following an explosive post-match interview where the Egyptian star accused the club of throwing him “under the bus,” sources indicate that the Reds are now “open-minded” about entertaining offers for the 33-year-old in the upcoming January transfer window. Adding fuel to the fire, two clubs—one from the Saudi Pro League and another from Major League Soccer—are reportedly gearing up to submit bids, potentially signaling the end of an era at Anfield.
Salah’s bombshell comments came after Liverpool’s frustrating 3-3 draw with Leeds United at Elland Road, a match in which he was benched for the third consecutive game. Speaking candidly to reporters, the forward expressed deep frustration with his treatment under manager Arne Slot, claiming their once-strong relationship had completely broken down. “I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame,” Salah said. “It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That is how I am feeling.”
The outburst has cast a dark cloud over Salah’s future at Liverpool, where he has been a cornerstone since joining from Roma in 2017 for £34 million. With 250 goals in 420 appearances, Salah ranks third on the club’s all-time scoring list, behind only legends Ian Rush and Roger Hunt. His accolades include two Premier League titles, a Champions League triumph, an FA Cup, and an EFL Cup. Last season alone, he netted 29 goals to help propel Liverpool to the league crown under Slot—the same manager he now accuses of sidelining him without explanation.
Despite signing a new two-year contract in April amid speculation of a departure, Salah’s form has dipped this campaign, with just two goals since mid-September. This mirrors Liverpool’s broader struggles; the reigning champions have slipped to ninth in the Premier League table, winning fewer than half their games and trailing leaders Arsenal by ten points. The draw at Leeds, where they squandered a two-goal lead, epitomized their woes.
Liverpool’s response to Salah’s tirade has been measured but telling. BBC Sport reports that the club is “open” to offers for the forward, though he hasn’t been formally transfer-listed. This pragmatic stance comes amid financial considerations, as any January deal would likely fetch far less than the £150 million-plus bids from Saudi clubs two years ago. Slot is expected to address the situation in his pre-match press conference ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Inter Milan, but the damage may already be irreparable.
Enter the suitors: According to The Sun, Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal are primed to make a move next month, confident in securing a cut-price deal. Managed by Simone Inzaghi, Al-Hilal have a history of raiding Liverpool, having signed former teammate Darwin Nunez for £46 million last summer. The club sees Salah as a marquee addition to bolster their squad, and with his previous openness to a Saudi move, this could be an attractive option for the player.
Not to be outdone, GiveMeSport reveals that MLS newcomers San Diego are also mulling over an approach, though no formal bid has been tabled yet. The American side, looking to make a splash in the league, views Salah’s experience and star power as a game-changer. While details remain shrouded in mystery—hence the “mystery clubs” label—the competition between these two could drive up the price, albeit not to the astronomical figures of yesteryear.
Salah himself remains uncertain about his next chapter. When pressed on Saudi interest during his interview, he deflected: “I don’t want to answer this question, because the club is going to take me to a different direction.” He even hinted that his appearance against Leeds might have been his last for Liverpool, adding, “In football, you never know.” Heading to the Africa Cup of Nations on December 15, Salah emphasized his love for the club—”This club, I will always support it. My kids will always support it”—but made clear he won’t tolerate being scapegoated.
As Liverpool prepare for a tough week, including the Inter Milan fixture and a Premier League showdown with Brighton, the Salah saga looms large. For fans, the prospect of losing one of their greatest-ever players mid-season is unthinkable. Yet, with bids on the horizon and bridges seemingly burned, the unthinkable may soon become reality. Will Salah stay and fight for his place, or is a January exit inevitable? Football’s transfer merry-go-round is about to spin into overdrive.