Troy Deeney has sparked debate by claiming that Liverpool should part ways with one of their biggest stars before the January transfer window closes, despite the Reds’ impressive 3–0 victory over Marseille on Wednesday night.
Liverpool delivered a composed display amid the hostile atmosphere at the Stade Vélodrome, with goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo, along with an own goal forced by Jeremie Frimpong, lifting them to fourth place in the Champions League standings ahead of the final league-phase fixture. The result also extended Arne Slot’s side’s unbeaten run to 13 matches in all competitions, even though performances in recent weeks have not always been convincing.
However, Deeney believes that if Liverpool are to take the next step, they must make a ruthless decision. The former striker feels the club’s tactical evolution means they have now moved beyond Mohamed Salah and should look to sell the Egyptian forward sooner rather than later.
Salah endured a quiet evening in France after returning straight to the starting XI following his Africa Cup of Nations campaign, where he registered four goals and one assist as Egypt reached the semi-finals before losing to eventual champions Senegal.
With Liverpool finding greater attacking fluency through players like Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, Deeney argued on CBS Sports Golazo that the partnership between Salah and the club is nearing its natural end. He suggested that an early separation would benefit both sides.
Deeney acknowledged Salah’s legendary status, describing him as one of Liverpool’s greatest players alongside Steven Gerrard, but insisted the timing is right to move on. He stressed that the decision should be made in January, pointing out that Salah has not played a role in the club’s current 13-match unbeaten run.
Salah completed the full 90 minutes against Marseille, but his numbers were underwhelming. He failed to register a shot on target, missed a clear chance, completed just 13 passes, and lost possession nine times from 28 touches.
Liverpool’s New Direction Under Slot
In previous seasons under Jürgen Klopp — and even during the transitional campaign that followed, when Salah broke records and swept individual awards — Liverpool’s system was largely built around maximising the Egyptian’s output.
Under Slot, that approach has changed. The Reds are gradually developing a more balanced identity, with attacking responsibility shared across the team rather than centred on one individual. Recent performances suggest this shift is beginning to pay off.
Liverpool’s attacks now flow through a variety of players, including Wirtz, Ekitike and Szoboszlai, while full-backs and deeper midfielders such as Ryan Gravenberch are also contributing creatively. There is also a greater emphasis on defensive work rate across the pitch, which has helped tighten a defence that struggled earlier in the season.
Although this campaign was always expected to be a period of transition, Slot’s ideas are starting to click at a crucial stage. With Liverpool proving increasingly difficult to beat, they are well placed to push on in cup competitions and strengthen their grip on a top-four Premier League finish, keeping them firmly among Europe’s elite next season.
