Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah is set for a potentially frosty return to Merseyside after his recent public criticism of the club, with a key dressing-room ally no longer there to help smooth the waters.
A Key Confidant Now Missing
The man in question is Greek left-back Kostas Tsimikas, who was a close friend of Salah's during their five years together at Anfield. Tsimikas is currently spending the 2025/26 season on loan at Italian side Roma, a move arranged after manager Arne Slot signed Milos Kerkez last summer.
This departure has left Salah without a valuable confidant at a critical juncture. The 33-year-old Egyptian superstar vented his frustration at Liverpool's hierarchy in early December after being left out of the team during a poor run of form. His comments, made following a dramatic 3-3 draw with Leeds, inevitably sparked fresh speculation that his long tenure at the club could be nearing its end.
Salah's Anfield Future in the Balance
The outburst has led to renewed rumours of a potential January exit, with clubs from Saudi Arabia once again linked with a move. While Liverpool are not thought to be actively trying to sell their star man, the relationship appears strained.
Salah is currently away on international duty, where his Egypt side were the first to secure a place in the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stages after winning their opening two group games. This guarantees his involvement in the tournament until at least January 5, but he could be absent for a further two weeks if Egypt progress to the final in Morocco.
This sets the stage for an awkward reunion at Liverpool's training ground later this month, a situation where Tsimikas's presence could have been crucial. The Athletic has previously described the pair's relationship as "tight," and Tsimikas himself has offered insights into Salah's mindset in the past.
The Depth of a Missed Friendship
Speaking to Greek outlet Sport 24 in June, amid the last wave of Saudi transfer interest, Tsimikas revealed how close Salah came to leaving. "When he said he felt he was more outside than inside the team, it was true, the chances of him staying were 10-20 per cent, it wasn't more," Tsimikas stated.
He added: "If they didn't give him what he wanted, Mo wouldn't sit back, he would leave, but he wanted to stay, because he loves the team, he loves the people." Tsimikas highlighted Salah's deep connection to Liverpool, noting his family's long settlement in the area as a key factor in his desire to remain.
The defender had earlier shed light on their strong personal bond in December 2021, telling reporters: "Mo is one of my best mates here. Always when I want something, he was always there for me to help me." He praised Salah not just as a player but as "one of the best I have met in my life," emphasising the time they spent together at the training ground.
With Tsimikas now in Rome and struggling to settle during a turbulent spell for his loan club, Salah must navigate the fallout from his comments without one of his closest allies in the dressing room. The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining whether the Egyptian king's record-breaking Anfield story continues or reaches a sudden conclusion.
