In a bombshell development that’s sending shockwaves through the football world, one of Liverpool’s all-time greats is reportedly on the brink of a dramatic departure from Anfield. Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian King who has lit up the Premier League for nearly a decade, could be heading for the exit this summer amid fears that his relationship with the club is deteriorating rapidly. With tensions simmering and performance dips raising eyebrows, insiders warn that staying could turn a legendary legacy into a toxic nightmare.
Liverpool’s holy trinity of Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk, and Salah has been the backbone of the Reds’ resurgence as a global powerhouse. Together, they’ve lifted the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, and more, etching their names into Anfield folklore. If they hung up their boots tomorrow, they’d still be hailed as immortals. But as the saying goes, nothing lasts forever – and it seems Salah’s chapter might be closing first.
At 33 years old (turning 34 in June 2026), Salah’s contract runs until 2027, but cracks are appearing. His explosive public outburst late in 2025 – a rare show of frustration from the usually composed star – hinted at deeper issues. Sources close to the club reveal that Salah’s camp made it crystal clear during December talks: he won’t settle for a bit-part role. No squad rotation, no benchwarming – it’s all or nothing for the prolific forward.
Renowned journalist David Ornstein has insisted Liverpool aren’t planning to offload their talisman this summer. But with Arne Slot at the helm, the Dutch manager faces a tough call. Salah’s form has shown signs of decline; that blistering pace, once his trademark, seems a half-step slower. Age catches up to even the best, and if Salah continues to “labour” on the pitch, justifying his automatic starting spot becomes impossible. We’ve seen how he reacts to substitution – fiery exchanges with former boss Jurgen Klopp were just the tip of the iceberg.
Enter Rafael van der Vaart, the outspoken Dutch pundit and former Tottenham star, who didn’t mince words in a recent SkyBet interview (as reported by Liverpool.com). Van der Vaart believes a split is inevitable and would benefit everyone before things spiral into chaos.
“When I look at Mohammed Salah and the position he plays on the pitch, he has lost that extra half yard and the pace is gone with age,” Van der Vaart stated bluntly. “When you look at Virgil van Dijk, age is less important for a defender. There were games he performed not at his best and everyone writes him off, but over a full season, even at this age, he shows everyone how good he is.”
He didn’t stop there, highlighting the potential powder keg: “Having a big player and a big name (like Salah) is sometimes a problem for both the player and coach. When you expect certain things as a coach from him, and he doesn’t do it, then of course you have the right to put him on the bench, but because it’s Mohamed Salah, this can cause a massive issue – in every press conference every question will be on Salah. It could be best for both sides if Salah goes somewhere else in the summer.”
Van der Vaart’s comments echo growing concerns at Anfield. TEAMtalk sources confirm that Liverpool’s hierarchy is aware of the risks. If Salah’s ego clashes with Slot’s tactical demands, the fallout could be catastrophic – endless media scrutiny, dressing room unrest, and a tarnished legacy. Imagine the headlines: “Salah Sulks on Sidelines!” or “Egyptian Icon Exiled!”
Where could Salah go? Saudi Arabia’s Pro League has long been circling, with Al-Ittihad previously offering a king’s ransom. A return to Italy (Roma or elsewhere) or even a shock move to a European rival isn’t out of the question. At his age, Salah could still command top dollar and star status, avoiding the indignity of riding the pine at Liverpool.
For Liverpool fans, this is heartbreaking. Salah’s 200+ goals, his infectious smile, those curling strikes – they’ve defined an era. But football is ruthless. Van Dijk, at 34, remains a colossus at the back, his leadership undiminished. Alisson, 33, is still world-class between the sticks. Salah’s wing wizardry, however, might be fading, and forcing him to stay could poison the well.
As the 2025/26 season winds down, all eyes are on Anfield. Will Slot and FSG bite the bullet and cash in? Or will they risk a toxic implosion? One thing’s for sure: if Salah’s Anfield story ends in shambles, it’ll be a tragic footnote to a glittering career. Liverpool legends deserve better – but sometimes, the door must close for new chapters to begin.
