Even though Mohamed Salah recently signed a fresh two-year extension keeping him at Anfield until 2027, Liverpool are already beginning to plan for a future without their legendary winger.
The 32-year-old finally ended speculation about his future by putting pen to paper on a deal that sparked celebration among fans. However, with the Egyptian star set to be 35 by the end of his contract, it’s only natural that new head coach Arne Slot starts considering long-term alternatives for the right wing.
Salah Set to Miss Key Fixtures Due to AFCON
According to the Daily Express, Salah will likely miss several important matches during the 2025/26 campaign as Egypt have qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations once again. The tournament, scheduled to run from 21 December to 18 January in Morocco, falls right in the heart of England’s congested festive fixture list.
Should Egypt go deep into the tournament — a very realistic possibility — Salah could miss up to 10 games, factoring in travel and recovery time. That absence would come at a pivotal stage in the season and force Slot to rotate his options in Salah’s position.
An Opportunity to Test Post-Salah Plans
While Liverpool fans have dealt with AFCON-related absences in the past — most notably with both Salah and Sadio Mane missing part of the 2021/22 season — the Reds managed to thrive during that period, winning two trophies and coming agonisingly close to an historic quadruple.
With Salah expected to be involved in AFCON again, it gives Slot a valuable chance to explore future options on the right flank. Although an injury could rule him out of the tournament — like the knock he picked up in the 2024 edition — Salah has proven to be one of the most durable players in the squad.
Still, the reality is Liverpool will need to start thinking about a future beyond their iconic No. 11. The upcoming AFCON could serve as the perfect window for the club to test how life after Salah might look.
