Journalist indicates concern about Salah accepting new Liverpool role

Salah future remains unclear as stance on Liverpool role emerges

Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool future remains unclear heading into a decisive phase of the season, with fresh insight shedding light on the forward’s thinking as he approaches the latter stages of his career at Anfield.

The 33-year-old returned to action in Liverpool’s 2-0 home victory over Brighton on Saturday, introduced as a first-half substitute before providing the assist for Hugo Ekitike’s goal. It was a sharp, purposeful cameo that served as a reminder of Salah’s enduring influence, even as questions persist around his long-term role under Arne Slot.

Speaking to BBC Sport after the match, Slot was keen to highlight both Salah’s immediate impact and the trust that still exists between manager and player.

“It was an easy decision to put him in the squad. I’ve said many times before what’s said between the two of us, for me that stays between the two of us.

“He was back in the squad and we needed him.

“I think [Salah’s] first touch was almost an assist for [Alexis] Mac Allister. He was constantly involved in the threat we had. It was pleasing to see but also not a surprise because he’s done that many times in a Liverpool shirt.”

Those comments underline the delicate balance Slot is managing: respecting Salah’s legacy while applying the same performance-based standards across his squad.

Playing time stance shapes Salah thinking

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, writing for TEAMtalk, Salah’s future discussions are being shaped by a clear personal position. Bailey reports that Salah “will not accept a role as just a squad player” if he is to remain at Liverpool beyond the January transfer window.

With the winger preparing to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations, the situation is described as “still far from clear”. However, Bailey adds that Salah has “made it clear” what his stance is regarding reduced playing time in recent weeks.

That clarity does not equate to confrontation, but it does frame the negotiations. Salah sees himself as a frontline contributor, not a rotational option, and any continuation of his Liverpool career appears dependent on that status being realistic rather than symbolic.

Slot balancing legacy and performance

Salah’s output this season has not consistently matched the extraordinary standards he set during his first eight years at the club. From Slot’s perspective, leaving him out of the starting XI at times has been a merit-based decision rather than a statement about hierarchy.

At 33, Salah is no longer untouchable. Liverpool’s evolution under a new head coach has required difficult calls, and the expectation that reputation alone guarantees selection no longer applies. Slot’s Brighton comments made clear that while Salah remains trusted, selection is dictated by what the team needs in that moment.

That does not close the door on Salah being a regular starter. A return to peak form would almost certainly see him reclaim a central role, particularly given his ability to influence matches in decisive moments, as shown against Brighton.

Contract uncertainty heading into key months

From Liverpool’s perspective, the situation is finely poised. Allowing Salah to leave would represent a significant sporting and commercial decision, while retaining him on terms that no longer align with his on-pitch contribution carries its own risks.

For supporters, the hope remains that Salah can adapt to a changing Liverpool side while still delivering at the elite level that defined his prime. For the player, the message appears equally firm: his future must involve meaningful minutes, not a gradual fade into rotation.

As things stand, Salah’s future is unresolved, his importance undiminished but his status evolving. With January approaching and major international commitments looming, clarity will be required sooner rather than later.