Mohamed Salah’s Future at Liverpool in Doubt Amid Performance Dip

LIVERPOOL (Azat TV) – Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s iconic Egyptian forward, is facing growing scrutiny over his recent performances and on-field conduct, fueling intense speculation about his long-term future at Anfield. A visible reaction to being substituted in a recent Premier League match and an extended goal drought have prompted former players and pundits to question his current form and commitment, even as transfer rumors linking him away from the club intensify.

The latest episode unfolded on Sunday when Salah was called ashore by manager Arne Slot in the 77th minute of Liverpool’s goalless draw against Nottingham Forest. The 33-year-old was observed laughing on the substitutes’ bench and shaking his head in apparent disbelief, a reaction that did not go unnoticed. This public display of dissatisfaction has drawn sharp criticism, notably from former top-flight manager Sam Allardyce.

Allardyce Criticizes Salah’s On-Field Reaction

Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Sam Allardyce accused Mohamed Salah of ‘behaving like a big baby’ following the incident. Allardyce implored the forward to address any issues privately with his head coach rather than engaging in public displays. ‘Mohamed Salah needs to bite the bullet, sit down, and make sure he starts scoring. Stop blaming Arne Slot when it’s your own fault that you’re not scoring and getting taken off,’ Allardyce stated, adding, ‘He can’t be disappointed with being taken off when he’s not scoring or creating. It’s a worry for Liverpool and for him.’

This criticism comes amidst a challenging period for Salah, who has now gone nine Premier League matches without scoring, a run stretching back nearly four months. While his involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations accounts for some of this period, the extended drought is a significant concern for a player renowned for his prolific goal-scoring record. Liverpool currently sits sixth in the Premier League table, adding pressure on their star forward to rediscover his form.

Transfer Speculation and Liverpool’s Future Planning

The current dip in form and public reaction have coincided with renewed speculation regarding Salah’s future at Liverpool. Despite having signed a new two-year deal at the end of the 2024/25 season, doubts persist about whether he will remain at the club beyond the current campaign. Football pundit Richard Keys recently tipped Salah to make a ‘shock move away from Liverpool this summer,’ suggesting Italy, rather than Saudi Arabia, as his most likely destination, according to Sportbible.

Salah’s remarkable career at Liverpool, which began with his £43 million move from Roma in 2017, has seen him score 252 goals in 429 matches, securing two Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy among other accolades. However, his output in the current 2025/26 season stands at a modest seven goals and eight assists across all competitions, a stark contrast to his usual high standards.

In anticipation of a potential departure, Liverpool is reportedly already monitoring potential successors. World Soccer Talk reports that the club is keeping a watchful eye on AC Milan’s American star Christian Pulisic. The parallels between Salah’s career path – leaving Chelsea, rebuilding his reputation in Italy, and returning to England – and Pulisic’s journey are striking. Former Reds striker Emile Heskey has openly backed Pulisic as a viable option, noting his direct play and potential to thrive in the Premier League, much like Salah did upon his return.

The confluence of Mohamed Salah’s current performance struggles, his public reaction to management decisions, and persistent transfer rumors highlights a pivotal moment for both the player and Liverpool Football Club. The uncertainty surrounding his future poses a significant challenge for the club’s strategic planning and could profoundly impact Salah’s legacy as one of the Premier League’s all-time greats.