Liverpool braces itself for a trip to play Inter Milan in the Champions League, as Salah tensions with Arne Slot escalate.
Rising tension around Mohamed Salah’s rift with Arne Slot has become the most striking storyline in Europe heading into the next round of the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League. After lashing out at the Dutch coach in a postgame interview following Liverpool’s visit to Leeds United at Elland Road, the Egyptian star has not traveled with the Reds for their game at Inter Milan.
What next for Mo Salah? MLS option?
According to reporting from The Athletic, multiple sources inside Liverpool say Salah’s outburst did not come as a shock within the club, though no one expected such forceful comments aimed at the institution and its manager. The outlet also notes that the board continues to back Slot and that, if the situation proves irreparable, Salah could request a winter-window exit. He has been left on the bench in two of the last three games.
If it comes to that point, MLS and the Saudi Pro League would be the primary contenders, as both competitions have long pursued the 33-year-old right winger. It is also worth noting that Salah will play the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco from December 21, 2025, through January 18, 2026, meaning any potential move to the United States or Saudi Arabia would have to wait until Egypt’s run in the tournament is over.
Ahead of Monday’s press conference before Liverpool’s trip to the Giuseppe Meazza, Slot was asked directly whether the Egyptian had already played his final game for the club. The Dutchman replied: “I have no idea. I can’t give you an answer right now.”
Recent reports have linked Al Hilal and Al Ittihad as the leading candidates to pursue Liverpool’s No. 11. Either move would pose a challenge for any MLS franchise hoping to sign him, as both Saudi clubs are powerhouses in the country’s first division with major financial backing from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
Darwin Núñez factor shapes possible move to Saudi Arabia
Another wrinkle that could pull Salah away from MLS is the presence of Darwin Núñez, his former Liverpool teammate, at Al Hilal. Their strong relationship could encourage the Egyptian to join the Riyadh club if it makes a formal push for him.
After the summer transfer window, Salah defended Núñez and Luis Díaz when some fans celebrated the departure of the South American duo and the arrival of players such as Florian Wirtz or Alexander Isak. On his official X account, the Egyptian wrote: “How about we celebrate the great signings without disrespecting the Premier League champions?”