Souness Claims Liverpool Star Already Has Exit “Lined up” as Contract Nears End | OneFootball

Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool Future: Is An Exit on the Cards?

The Mohamed Salah saga at Liverpool has taken a new twist, with club legend Graeme Souness sharing his belief that the Egyptian superstar may have his exit plans already in place. Souness, in an interview with TalkSport, expressed his thoughts on a slip-up Salah made during a recent interview that might suggest his time at Anfield is coming to an end.

Souness’ insight isn’t merely speculation, but rather an informed opinion from someone who knows the inner workings of the club all too well. “Me, I actually think he’s made his mind up. I think he’s got something lined up,” Souness told TalkSport. “Looking at it, I think that came out not the way he wanted, because I think he tried to recover from it further in the interview on Sky.”

Photo: IMAGO

Does Salah’s Comment Signal Departure?

The comment in question, where Salah stated “this is my last year” with Liverpool, has certainly raised eyebrows. However, it’s important to consider the context in which it was made. Salah, now in his eighth season with the club, is indeed entering the final year of his current contract. Whether his comment was an honest slip or a veiled indication of his intentions, it has sparked speculation about what his future holds.

Souness seems convinced that Salah has already made his decision. “You’ve got to factor in his family as well. His wife might want to go to Saudi Arabia. He might want to take his kids back to an Arab-speaking country. These are things we can’t answer,” he added, bringing an interesting personal perspective into the mix.

While the prospect of Salah leaving is difficult for many Liverpool fans to digest, it is not without precedent. The forward has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia before, where several clubs reportedly showed interest in the summer. If he leaves, it may well be to join the growing number of football stars heading to the Saudi Pro League.

Strong Saudi Interest Could Lead to Salah’s Exit

Salah has previously been the subject of immense interest from Saudi Arabian clubs, with rumours swirling of an enormous offer during the last transfer window. It’s understood that several clubs are lining up lucrative offers for the Egyptian, likely far surpassing what he currently earns at Liverpool.

If the speculation is accurate, a move to Saudi Arabia could offer Salah both financial rewards and the opportunity to be closer to his cultural roots. Souness even alludes to personal reasons that could drive this decision. “These are things we can’t answer,” Souness admits, but there’s certainly merit in the argument that off-field considerations may be influencing Salah’s thoughts.

For Liverpool, the challenge would be how to cope with the potential departure of one of their most iconic players. Salah, who sits third on the club’s all-time scoring list with 214 goals, has been a monumental figure in their recent successes.

Planning for Life After Salah

Liverpool’s management seems to be aware of the reality that Salah might leave, with reports circulating about potential replacements. According to recent rumours, Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sané is a prime candidate to take over Salah’s mantle at Anfield, possibly on a free transfer.

This rumoured move comes at a time when other Liverpool stars like Trent Alexander-Arnold are also being linked with big-money moves abroad. Real Madrid have reportedly shown interest in Alexander-Arnold, raising further concerns about the future of Liverpool’s squad. However, there is some solace in the news that Virgil van Dijk wants to stay put, signalling that not all of Liverpool’s biggest names are looking for the exit.

Whether Salah stays or goes, his status as a Liverpool legend is undeniable. His influence, both on and off the pitch, has been extraordinary. With the best goals-per-match ratio among the club’s top scorers, he’ll forever be etched in Liverpool’s history. But for now, the uncertainty surrounding his future is hard to ignore.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

It’s hard not to feel a sense of concern regarding Graeme Souness’ remarks about Mohamed Salah’s potential exit. His suggestion that Salah has already “made his mind up” is a tough pill to swallow, especially considering the player’s immense contribution over the years. If there is any truth to this, it leaves us wondering about the direction the club is headed.

Photo: IMAGO

Salah’s personal reasons, as mentioned by Souness, offer a human dimension to the situation. The idea of moving closer to his cultural roots or considering his family’s desires are completely understandable. However, from a purely footballing perspective, losing him would be devastating for Liverpool. The thought of replacing his consistent goal output seems nearly impossible.

The previously rumoured move for Leroy Sané is interesting, but fans may feel uneasy trusting that any player can immediately replicate Salah’s impact, especially in such a demanding league like the Premier League. Sané’s form has been inconsistent in recent years, and it’s questionable whether he can fill such a massive void.

Moreover, with Trent Alexander-Arnold linked to Real Madrid and uncertainty surrounding other key players, this could be a crucial transitional period for the club. If Salah leaves at the end of this season, Liverpool will need more than just a replacement – they will need to reinvent themselves once again, which is no easy task in modern football.