Wayne Rooney Delivers Verdict on Mohamed Salah's Liverpool Future
Former England captain Wayne Rooney has made a stark assessment of Mohamed Salah's career, suggesting the Liverpool forward's time as a top-level player is drawing to a close. Rooney's comments come amid a noticeable dip in form for the Egyptian international during the current campaign.
A Dramatic Drop in Performance
Salah, who has been Liverpool's talismanic figure for nearly nine years and stands as the club's third-highest all-time goalscorer with 251 goals, enjoyed a phenomenal 2024/25 season. He equalled the Premier League single-season record for goal involvements, amassing 47 goals and assists, matching the benchmark set by legends Alan Shearer and Andy Cole.
However, after signing a new two-year contract last April, his performances have sharply declined. This led manager Arne Slot to drop him from the starting lineup in November, a decision that initially caused friction between player and club.
Rooney's Analysis: "His Legs Have Gone"
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney was asked if the Salah era was over. "It will be at the end of the season, you'd imagine," he stated. "I think he's an incredible player in what he's done for the Premier League and for Liverpool. One of the best to ever play in the Premier League, I think. But I just think, unfortunately, his legs have gone a little bit."
Rooney elaborated, noting observations from Salah's performances in the African Cup of Nations. "He's not moving as well or as quick as he used to, which is no fault of his own. That happens to players. I think you've probably seen the end of him from the summer on." He drew a parallel with teammate Virgil van Dijk's earlier season struggles, suggesting a broader pattern.
A Season of Struggle and Controversy
The statistics underscore Rooney's point. Salah has managed just six goals across all competitions this season, a stark contrast to his previous output. This decline has coincided with Liverpool's faltering title defence, which included their worst run of form in over seven decades.
His benching for four consecutive league games prior to the Africa Cup of Nations sparked a public outburst. Salah launched a tirade against Slot and the club's hierarchy, claiming he had been "thrown under the bus," casting serious doubt over his Anfield future. Despite persistent transfer speculation linking him with a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia, he remained at Liverpool through the January window.
A Glimmer of Hope Amid the Gloom
Since returning from international duty, Salah has been reinstated to the starting eleven. He broke a two-month goal drought for the club by scoring against Qarabag in the Champions League last Wednesday, offering a small sign of potential revival.
Nevertheless, Rooney's analysis presents a sobering perspective on the trajectory of one of the Premier League's modern greats, suggesting that even the most prolific careers inevitably face a natural conclusion.
