The Egyptian King’s future has dominated headlines for months, from public fallouts with Slot—including benchings, a dramatic statement accusing the club of throwing him “under the bus,” and hints that certain games might be his last at Anfield—to a return from Africa Cup of Nations duty that briefly sparked hope of reconciliation. Yet recent performances, including Liverpool’s shock 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth on January 24, 2026, have intensified the frustration. Salah featured in the loss, providing an assist for Dominik Szoboszlai but struggling overall with zero goals, zero direct goal contributions beyond that, three shots, and 21 lost possessions—stats that fueled fan criticism of “careless moments,” “poor decisions,” and a dip in standards that no longer reflect the club’s elite expectations.
The result against Bournemouth—where goals from Francesco Evanilson, Alex Jimenez, and Amin Adly secured the points for the hosts—marked another costly stumble, with social media ablaze over Salah’s influence (or lack thereof) and broader claims that his presence disrupts the team’s rhythm and tactical cohesion. Posts highlighted how Liverpool have lost twice in their last 15 matches across competitions, both with Salah starting, prompting some to label him a “virus” on the team’s momentum. The January transfer window remains open until early February, giving the club a narrow window to act if a deal materializes—though reports indicate no firm bids or requests from Salah himself for an immediate exit.
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has repeatedly weighed in on the drama, emphasizing that the club “cannot afford distractions at this stage of the season.” In various interviews and punditry appearances (including his December 2025 comments that carried into the new year), Gerrard stressed the need for unity and focus, suggesting that if a player’s commitment or future is in doubt, a “clean break” benefits everyone. He has praised Slot’s handling of the situation at times but insisted Liverpool “need” Salah performing at his best—scoring goals and driving the team forward—while acknowledging that dragging the saga into the summer risks further dressing-room tension and on-pitch instability. “Move on,” Gerrard urged in one verdict, highlighting how unresolved issues create unnecessary pressure when silverware is on the line.
The sentiment echoes across the fanbase: every match now feels tense not from the opposition’s quality, but from anticipation of the “next costly mistake” tied to this unresolved narrative. With Liverpool pushing for top spots in the Premier League and Champions League (despite recent setbacks), supporters argue that prioritizing players “fully committed to the badge” is essential for unity and progress. Saudi Pro League clubs remain interested for a summer blockbuster move—described by insiders as “inevitable” in some quarters—but a January departure remains unlikely without a dramatic shift, as Slot has reintegrated Salah positively post-AFCON and the club prefers stability.
Slot himself has been measured, noting Salah’s contributions in pressing and link-up while downplaying distractions, but the optics of recent results have amplified calls for resolution. Jamie Carragher, another legend, suggested Liverpool “cannot afford” to lose Salah mid-season due to squad needs, though he predicted a potential summer farewell as the “perfect” send-off.
Ultimately, the debate boils down to legacy versus forward momentum. Salah’s status as one of Liverpool’s greatest is undisputed—hundreds of goals, titles, and iconic moments—but prolonged uncertainty is seen as detrimental. If the drama persists, it could indeed “hurt the team more than help it,” as fans fear. For now, the Reds must navigate the remainder of the window and season with focus, hoping either reconciliation or a swift, amicable exit restores the unity needed to chase glory. The clock is ticking, and the calls to act decisively grow louder by the day. 🔴
