The Athletic FC Podcast

Episode: "What next for Salah and Liverpool?"

Date: December 15, 2025
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
Guests: James Pearce, David Ornstein, Ahmed Walid

Episode Overview

This episode delves deep into Mohamed Salah's recent tumultuous period at Liverpool, examining his strained relationship with coach Arne Slot, his exclusion and subsequent return to the team, his looming future at the club, and what his participation in AFCON 2025 with Egypt may mean on both personal and club levels. With guests including Liverpool reporter James Pearce, Football Correspondent David Ornstein, and tactics expert Ahmed Walid, the discussion offers detailed insights from Anfield, the Liverpool fanbase, and Salah's home nation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Salah’s Controversial Return to the Liverpool Squad

• Background: Salah was benched for three consecutive matches, culminating in his public outburst about being left out, which raised questions about his future and his relationship with coach Arne Slot.
• Brighton Match Recap [02:45–05:21]:
  • Salah was brought on earlier than expected due to Joe Gomez's injury.
  • Immediate impact: provided an assist and played with renewed determination—“played like he had a point to prove.”

    “That’s the best I’ve seen from him in a Liverpool shirt for a number of months.” —James Pearce [03:29]

  • The Anfield crowd gave Salah an “incredible reception,” affirming his status as a club icon despite recent tensions.

2. The Fallout and Liverpool’s Stance [05:21–09:47]

• Liverpool’s Position:
  • The club insists Salah is not for sale, highlighting his new contract (signed May 2025, running until summer 2027).
  • Sources at Anfield believe the issue lies largely with Salah and his adaptation to new realities, especially regarding team selection.
  • Liverpool are not guaranteeing game time “irrespective of his legendary status,” and the ball is now “in Salah’s court.”

    “Liverpool are never going to guarantee somebody game time, irrespective of his legendary status... The ball is kind of in Salah’s court.” —David Ornstein [06:56]

3. Fan Response and Squad Dynamics [10:00–12:41]

• Divided Fanbase:
  • Some fans felt “angry and let down” by Salah’s complaints, accusing him of selfishness.
  • Others sympathize, arguing he’s been scapegoated.
  • Universally, fans wish to see Salah “back playing for Liverpool with a smile on his face and impacting games.”
• On-field Analysis:
  • His off-the-ball work vs Brighton was notably improved—a response to criticism about his defensive contributions.

    “There was one moment in the first half when he was actually the deepest-lying Liverpool player... that's what you want.” —James Pearce [12:08]

4. Latest on Salah’s Future and Transfer Speculation [15:32–18:41, 21:32–28:01]

• Contract and Markets:
  • Despite speculation, no immediate movement is expected in January.

    “All evidence I’ve got is that the relationship is actually going to continue despite this dramatic period.” —David Ornstein [16:51]

  • Liverpool’s stance is strong; Salah’s contract has no break clause.
• External Interest:
  • Saudi Pro League interest is “real and sustained,” particularly from Al-Ittihad. Move is complicated by need for squad space and Salah’s motivation to “stay at the very top level.”
  • Other Premier League or European interest is currently less feasible due to Salah's salary and Liverpool’s unwillingness to sell domestically.
  • “There seems consensus... that Saudi Arabia would be the direction of travel as and when he wants to or chooses to leave Liverpool.” —David Ornstein [27:12]

5. Handling of the Crisis: Arne Slot’s Leadership [18:41–22:51]

• Slot’s Approach:
  • Slot handled the “Mo Salah show” in pressers with composure and authority, holding firm to club values.
  • Decision to exclude Salah from the Inter Milan away trip was collective (Slot, Hughes, Edwards)—a show of strength and unity at a delicate time.
  • Slot’s ability to reintegrate Salah was vindicated by his performance and the result.

    “I think he’s handled it incredibly well... it’s enhanced Slot’s standing.” —James Pearce [18:52, 21:32]

  • Reasserted that team selection remains his prerogative:

    “That’s my call and I’ll make it after I’ve sat down with Mo at the AXA training center.” —James Pearce (quoting Slot) [21:52]

6. AFCON 2025: Impact and the Egyptian Perspective

• Salah off to AFCON [30:53–35:18]
  • Egyptian preparations for AFCON have been “in the shadows,” but Salah’s situation at Liverpool has “overshadowed” domestic preparations.
  • Salah carries massive expectations: best Egyptian/Arab player ever without an AFCON title.
  • Tactically, Salah plays a freer, more creative role with Egypt compared to Liverpool:

    “In Egypt, Salah is more of a creator... it’s a more free role for him.” —Ahmed Walid [42:19]

  • AFCON offers Salah a chance to “do his talking on the pitch” rather than in the media.
• Potential for Resolution or Renewal:
  • Both Liverpool and Salah’s camp seem willing to reflect over the AFCON break.

    “If Salah is gonna stay at Liverpool at least until the summer, then there has going to have to be some acceptance on his part that he is, you know, at times gonna be sat on the bench.” —James Pearce [34:03]

7. The Ronaldo/Messi Ageing Comparison [35:18–38:47]

• Will Salah Follow Their Example?
  • Discussion compares Salah to Ronaldo’s World Cup 2022 fallout—aging greats needing to adapt and accept reduced roles.
  • Suggestion that Salah, like Messi at recent World Cups, could “walk for long periods” and only “contribute when needed.”
  • Liverpool are keen to avoid drama:

    “Liverpool are desperate really for some closure and calm around this after what’s been a bit of a crazy period.” —David Ornstein [38:35]

8. Liverpool's Prospects Post-AFCON & Top 4 Hopes [39:06–44:18]

• Best Case for Liverpool: Salah returns from AFCON rejuvenated and refocused—potential springboard for season's final months.
  • Van Dijk’s message:

    “I really hope that you have an outstanding AFCON and I want to see you back here middle of January with that trophy ready to help us kick on and achieve big things at Liverpool.” —As reported by James Pearce [40:19]

• Tactical & Team Adaptations:
  • Liverpool are still seeking their optimal system and Salah’s role within it.
• Confidence for Top 4:
  • The panel agrees Liverpool now look more likely to secure a top-four finish, with young/new signings bedding in well.

    “I think both heart and head says top four for Liverpool now.” —James Pearce [43:49]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Salah’s Mentality:

  “He’s not used to sitting on the substitute bench... for it to happen three games in a row kind of pushed him to breaking point.” —James Pearce [04:31]

• On Slot’s Leadership:

  “He was measured, composed, assertive... didn’t beat around the bush in making it clear that action had to be taken.” —James Pearce [18:52]

• On Transfer Market Realities:

  “The conversations so far have been Slot and Hughes on Liverpool’s behalf and Ramy Abbas on Salah’s... these will continue.” —David Ornstein [27:32]

• On Salah’s Legacy in Egypt:

  “Salah has a point to prove with Egypt because... winning the AFCON is major for him and especially right now he’s 33.” —Ahmed Walid [34:22]

• On Salah’s Changing Role:

  “In Egypt, Salah is more of a creator... the ball goes through him and only him.” —Ahmed Walid [42:19]

• On Liverpool’s Season:

  “More than anything, the new players are starting to settle and really adapt and find their feet... just need to get Isaac firing.” —James Pearce [43:49]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Salah’s Return and Brighton Performance: 02:45–05:21
• Liverpool’s Stance and Future Speculation: 05:21–09:47
• Fan Reaction and Squad Dynamics: 10:00–12:41
• Slot’s Handling of Salah Situation: 18:41–22:51
• Saudi/Transfer Market Options: 23:07–28:01
• Egyptian Perspective Ahead of AFCON: 30:53–35:18
• Ronaldo/Messi Comparison & Ageing Stars: 35:18–38:47
• AFCON Hopes and Salah’s Role for Egypt: 39:06–42:56
• Liverpool’s Top 4 Prospects: 43:00–44:18

Conclusion

This episode presents a nuanced exploration of Salah’s current chapter at Liverpool—a club legend grappling with new realities, a manager asserting his authority, and the question of legacy looming both at Anfield and for Egypt at AFCON. The consensus is that, barring a dramatic switch in the January transfer window, Salah will remain at Liverpool, though only time (and perhaps AFCON performances) will determine how harmonious that relationship will ultimately be.