A round-up of the biggest headlines surrounding Liverpool amid Mo Salah’s uncertain Anfield future
Mohamed Salah took a moment to bask in the affection of Anfield before flying off to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt. The 33-year-old made his comeback to Arne Slot’s Liverpool side in their 2-0 victory over Brighton on Saturday, replacing the injured Joe Gomez in the 26th minute.
The winger put in an impressive performance, with his assist for Hugo Ekitike’s second goal enabling him to surpass Wayne Rooney’s record for the most single-club goal involvements in the Premier League with 277 (188 goals and 89 assists).
Salah’s future at Liverpool has been cast into doubt after he alleged that the club has attempted to make him a scapegoat for their struggles this season and claimed he has no relationship with Slot.
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While his return to the matchday squad is a positive sign, it remains uncertain whether he will still be a Liverpool player when he returns from international duty next month.
One of Salah’s team-mates has sought to clarify the Egyptian’s comments, while Virgil van Dijk has expressed his views on a potential transfer, as we examine the latest developments surrounding the current Premier League champions.
Salah’s comments explained
Following his remarks after the 3-3 draw against Leeds United, the Egyptian has received significant public backing from his team-mates. Such a shocking revelation from one of the world’s top players could have had a lasting impact on the Reds squad, but they’ve responded in the best possible way.
A 1-0 away triumph against Inter Milan followed by a home victory over Brighton was what the doctor ordered. Following the latest win, Curtis Jones explained how Salah sought to clarify that his comments were not directed at any of his team-mates.
In an interview with Viaplay, Jones stated: “We all love Mo. I love Mo. At my hardest times at the club, you know, he was always one of the ones who was there. I could always speak to (him). And it’s exactly the same now.
“Mo’s his own man, he’s got his own opinions. And, you know, I don’t think his intentions were to affect the team or anything like that. It was just a personal thing. And as everybody knows, the team, the fans, the staff, we all love Mo. He’s a great guy.
“I don’t really like to speak on another man’s issues or his business and stuff – that has to do with Mo. But at the end of the day, I think the important thing that Mo made clear was that it’s not against the team or anything like that, just a personal issue, and that’s it.”
Van Dijk transfer stance
Van Dijk left no room for doubt about his position on Salah’s future at Anfield, with the Dutch defender revealing his desire for the Egyptian to stay put. The Liverpool captain disclosed following Saturday’s triumph that he has maintained regular dialogue with his long-standing team-mate over recent days.
The 34-year-old explained: “I speak to him about everything. I told him I want him to stay. I would love to have him around as he is one of the leaders, but the fact is he is going to AFCON. We will be in contact over the next days and weeks like we always are and let’s see.
“I wish him absolutely all the best – and (to) come back. Hopefully. I have no control over that. We hope he will be absolutely successful there and we all hope he will be coming back to be important for the rest of the season.
“But, on the other side of it, we all know football and have no idea what is going to happen. He is very important – and still (is) as you see with another assist – to the football club, but there are more parties to this situation.”
