Mohamed Salah has been a goal and assist machine for Liverpool over the years
Mohamed Salah final message to Liverpool before leaving for AFCON has given Arne Slot plenty to think about ahead of the transfer window. The Reds have climbed back up to fifth in the Premier League table after a turnaround in results and will hope to gain ground on Arsenal and Manchester City in the coming weeks.
Liverpool’s abysmal run was exacerbated by a public row between Salah and Slot as the pair clashed following the Egyptian’s demotion to the bench. Following some lengthy discussions, Salah was reinstated in the team and provided one assist as the Reds beat Brighton 2-0 on December 13.
This assist saw Salah climb to 277 goal contributions for the club, which is more than any other player has managed in Premier League history. The Egyptian winger made this fact known on social media as he left Anfield for AFCON, highlighting the many things Slot may have to consider as January approaches.
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Salah’s contributions to Liverpool cannot be understated, with many of these goals leading to success and silverware. Since he joined in 2017, the 33-year-old has scored 250 goals and assisted 117 times in 421 appearances.
Two Premier League titles, one Champions League and a host of domestic cups now live in Salah’s trophy cabinet on Merseyside and it seems like the veteran footballer is still planning to contribute.
The Brighton fixture could have been Salah’s final game for the club following his bitter dispute with Slot. However, the Dutchman will definitely consider the sheer amount of goal contributions he will lose from the wing if he does choose to get rid of the Egyptian – which the player has openly pointed out.
During Salah’s AFCON opener against Zimbabwe, he netted a last-minute goal as Egypt fought back from 1-0 down to win 2-1. This recent act of heroism highlights the player’s impact for both club and country with Salah digging Liverpool out of a hole on many occasions.
The winger’s seniority in the dressing room could also prove a costly loss midway through a season with the Reds currently fighting for a Champions League spot.
Fans would likely be disappointed to see the cult hero leave Anfield with many sharing their joy at Salah’s goal contribution record on social media. One said: “No one is taking your place at the club soon. You’re a legend indeed.”
Another added: “I don’t think many in our fanbase understand what an achievement this is.”
Dealing with potential fan backlash and a drop in forward output could prove too much for Slot to handle given that he has already felt pressure this season. However, with just five goals and four assists to his name for Liverpool this campaign, it could be argued that Salah isn’t doing enough to warrant his stay in the team.
For context, Salah had 26 combined goals and assists this time last season. With just nine so far this campaign, the drop-off has shown why Slot had demoted him to the bench and subsequently the duo’s public fallout.
Saudi Pro League clubs are reportedly interested in securing Salah’s services with a fee of £100million said to be the price for his departure.
With much to consider over the next few weeks, Slot will make his decision as Salah continues to try and secure his first AFCON with Egypt.
