Liverpool supporters are coming to terms with the growing reality that Mohamed Salah's legendary tenure at the club may be reaching an unceremonious end. The Egyptian forward, once the undisputed talisman, now finds himself on the bench, his startling loss of form since the start of the season becoming a significant problem for manager Arne Slot.
From Saviour to Spectator: Salah's Dramatic Decline
The telling moment came during Liverpool's recent clash with Sunderland at Anfield. With the game goalless at the start of the second half, Salah's introduction from the bench was met with the usual murmurs of anticipation. The stage seemed set for a classic rescue act from the man who has so often been the hero.
Instead, the performance that followed was emblematic of his current struggles. Salah ran into dead ends, misplaced crosses, and failed to influence the game. It was not the Egyptian King who saved the day, but Florian Wirtz, whose deflected shot secured a 1-1 draw with just 10 minutes remaining. For many, this felt symbolic: Wirtz represents Liverpool's future, while Salah's place in it looks increasingly uncertain.
A Weight Around the Neck for Slot
The statistics and team selections now tell a story that seemed unthinkable a year ago. Mohamed Salah has been dropped for Liverpool's last two matches, the first time this has happened in his storied career at the club. Manager Arne Slot's decision to relegate his star player to the bench is a stark admission of a problem he is struggling to solve.
Where Salah once carried the team, plundering goals and terrorising defences, he is now perceived by some as a burden. The connection with the Anfield faithful has frayed, replaced by a palpable feeling of resignation each time he receives the ball. The magic that defined his play for years has vanished, leaving a void that others are being asked to fill.
The Looming Exit and Saudi Speculation
The situation is poised for a significant shift. Salah is scheduled to depart for the African Cup of Nations on December 15, potentially leaving Liverpool without him for over a month. There is a sense that Slot might privately view this absence as a relief, a chance to reconfigure his attack without the looming question of his high-profile forward's form.
Beyond the international duty, persistent speculation suggests a permanent exit could be imminent. A lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League in the upcoming January transfer window is a distinct possibility. Some reports have even speculated that Salah may have already played his final game for the English champions.
Known for his media silence, Salah has not publicly addressed the swirling rumours, which has only added to the impression of a player brooding on the sidelines. However, as a senior figure, there is a growing belief that he has a responsibility to address his dramatic dip in form head-on.
While his status as a Liverpool legend is unassailable, there is a danger that his final chapter at Anfield could end with a whimper. A growing section of the fanbase, while forever grateful for his past glories, is beginning to mentally prepare for a future where Mohamed Salah is no longer leading the line.
