Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool Future in Doubt After Frankfurt Rout

Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool career entered a new chapter of uncertainty as Arne Slot’s tactical shakeup and a resounding 5-1 Champions League victory over Eintracht Frankfurt highlighted the Egyptian star’s ongoing struggles.

Mohamed Salah Faces Liverpool Uncertainty After Frankfurt Thrashing

Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool journey took an unexpected turn as the Reds bounced back from four consecutive defeats with a statement 5-1 win at Eintracht Frankfurt. However, while his teammates celebrated, Salah looked withdrawn, quickly heading to the tunnel after clapping the travelling fans—a stark contrast to his once ever-present jubilance.

After years as the club’s attacking talisman, Salah was relegated to the bench by manager Arne Slot. Slot’s decision to shift from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-4-2 allowed new signing Florian Wirtz to start on the right. The result was Liverpool’s most cohesive performance of the campaign, while Salah’s late 16-minute cameo produced just 12 touches, four lost possessions, and two missed chances. Frustratingly, his choice to shoot instead of squaring to Wirtz in the 89th minute cost the Reds a clear sixth goal.

The Decline of an Egyptian King

Salah’s form has gradually dipped since signing a two-year contract extension in April. Once a relentless goal machine, he has now gone seven Premier League games without a non-penalty goal—a first since arriving from Roma in 2017. His output this season, just four goal contributions compared to 10 at this stage last year, underscores a worrying trend.

Slot, reluctant to single Salah out, nevertheless dropped him after a lacklustre showing in the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United. Pundits like Gary Neville noted not a physical decline, but technical failings: errant crosses, poor finishing, and a loss of sharpness in high-pressure moments.

Should Salah Have Left on a High?

Many are now questioning whether Salah should have left Liverpool at his peak. With the club’s hierarchy breaking precedent by extending contracts for over-30 players like Salah and Van Dijk, only to see both men’s form wane, the wisdom of that decision is in doubt. Whispers of a future move to the Saudi Pro League persist as Salah’s influence fades.

Key Factors Behind Salah’s Struggles

It’s not just age or a natural decline. Salah has felt the effects of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s summer transfer to Real Madrid. The duo’s right-flank connection was crucial to Salah’s success, and the void left at right-back has yet to be adequately filled. New arrivals and tactical experiments haven’t restored the same chemistry, and Liverpool’s defensive balance has suffered as a result.

Beyond tactical shifts, personal tragedy has cast a long shadow. The sudden death of teammate Diogo Jota deeply affected Salah, with the Egyptian admitting he found it hard to return to Anfield and visibly breaking down during tributes. Captain Virgil van Dijk acknowledged that the loss of Jota has impacted the entire squad, and especially Salah.

Slot’s Selection Dilemma: Alternatives to Salah

Slot faces a delicate balancing act between loyalty and performance. Liverpool’s record summer investment introduced Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong to a squad already in transition. Against Frankfurt, Wirtz provided dynamism and two assists, while even Federico Chiesa—used mainly off the bench—has contributed five goal involvements.

With Isak not yet fully fit and the chemistry in attack a work in progress, Slot has options. But neither form nor sentiment suggest Salah should return to the starting XI against Brentford. Instead, Wirtz or Chiesa appear stronger candidates on the right.

Does Salah Have a Future at Liverpool?

A run on the bench could rekindle Salah’s competitive edge. History shows he’s bounced back from slumps before, as Jamie Carragher pointed out: “Do not write off Salah too soon because he has a habit of making criticism look silly.” However, as Salah nears his 34th birthday and prepares for international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, Liverpool must gradually plan for life beyond him.

Carragher’s words ring true: “Sooner or later, Liverpool must move beyond Salah and enter the era of Isak and Wirtz.” Slot’s responsibility is to challenge Salah’s underwhelming performances while also preparing for the next phase of Liverpool’s evolution.

Opinion: Bold Decisions Required for Liverpool’s Future

Mohamed Salah’s legendary status at Liverpool is secure, but football is a results-driven business. Slot’s willingness to bench Salah for the good of the team is an early sign of strong leadership. For Liverpool to challenge for silverware this season, performance must outweigh sentiment in team selection. If Salah rediscovers his hunger, he could still play a key role. But for now, a supporting part may be what both player and club need most.

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