Liverpool manager Arne Slot has broken his silence on the growing speculation surrounding star forward Mohamed Salah, acknowledging that the Egyptian's recent absence from the starting line-up has fuelled inevitable transfer chatter.
Speculation Mounts After Bench Role
The situation escalated after Mohamed Salah was left out of Liverpool's starting XI for their last two Premier League matches. He was an unused substitute during the clash with West Ham and was only introduced at half-time in the subsequent match against Sunderland, managing just 45 minutes from the bench. This notable change in his playing time has directly led to increased rumours of a potential move away from Anfield when the transfer window reopens.
Slot's Candid Admission
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, 5 December 2025, Slot addressed the situation head-on. He admitted it was perfectly normal for Salah's name to be in the headlines given his immense contribution to the club over nearly a decade. "The chatter, yes [I understand it] because he deserves that," Slot stated. "He has been so influential for me and for six or seven years. It's completely normal people talk about it when he isn't [playing]."
The Dutch coach was keen to stress that Salah remains a pivotal figure in his plans, adding: "I think for every player in my mind can start and Mo is an exceptional player for us. He is always in my mind to either start or to come [off the bench]."
January Move on the Horizon?
The core of the speculation points towards the Saudi Pro League making a renewed attempt to sign the 33-year-old in the January transfer window. Saudi clubs have held a long-standing interest in Salah, and his reduced minutes have sparked fresh suggestions that a formal approach could be imminent. While no official bid has been reported, the manager's public comments have done little to dampen the swirling rumours, instead acknowledging their validity given the player's legendary status at the club.
As the January window draws closer, all eyes will be on whether Liverpool receives any concrete offers for their talisman and how the club, and Salah himself, respond. For now, Slot's message is clear: Salah's quality is undiminished, but the transfer talk is a natural consequence of his bench role and his global stature.
