Salah Set to Storm Back to Liverpool Following Egypt's AFCON Heartbreak

Mohamed Salah is set to rejoin Liverpool by week's end following Egypt's exit from the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Liverpool forward was eager to claim Africa's premier international trophy at last, as his reputation had been questioned due to Egypt's previous tournament struggles, but couldn't stop his team from suffering a 1-0 loss to Senegal and ex-Liverpool colleague Sadio Mané.

Mané scored the decisive goal with 12 minutes remaining in a disappointing performance from Salah, who managed zero successful dribbles and didn't register a single shot throughout his full 90-minute appearance.

For Liverpool supporters, Salah's AFCON journey isn't quite finished. The third-place match against Nigeria is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 17, following which the 33-year-old will head back to Liverpool.

Salah's final Egypt appearance at the tournament will begin one hour after Liverpool's kickoff against Burnley, marking the last Premier League fixture he'll be absent for.

Attention now shifts to Wednesday's Champions League clash with Marseille. Salah could potentially secure a place in Arne Slot's lineup but might have to settle for a substitute role—this time due to fitness concerns.

Bournemouth welcome Liverpool in Premier League action on Jan. 24, a match for which Salah should be fully prepared.

Salah Returns With Questions Over Liverpool Future

Salah Returns With Questions Over Liverpool Future

Both Salah and Liverpool have gained from some distance following a turbulent conclusion to 2025.

After underperforming on the field, Salah objected to manager Arne Slot's choice to substitute him and openly questioned his Liverpool future with shocking claims of betrayal.

Though Slot maintained the issue was settled before Salah's AFCON departure, their upcoming reunion will surely spark renewed questions about the winger's future, with any bench time likely to fuel further speculation.

According to David Ornstein on The Athletic FC Podcast, the expectation is that Salah won't seek a Liverpool exit during the January window and intends to remain through season's end, when new discussions about his future will take place.

Salah has a Liverpool contract through 2027 but ranks among Europe's top earners and, should circumstances deteriorate, a mutual separation could prove beneficial. Saudi Arabian clubs remain ready to capitalize on any chance to finally secure the 33-year-old.