For nearly a decade, Mohamed Salah has been Liverpool’s talisman. His relentless goalscoring, often in high profile games, has seen him shatter record after record, with a frequency that made the extraordinary seem routine. However, as we get to the back end of the 2025/26 campaign, the narrative surrounding the Egyptian King has shifted. While he remains a key figure in Arne Slot’s side, we’ve seen a different version of the player this season.
A Season of Transition for Salah
The statistics tell the story of a player adapting to the natural progression of a career now in its 14th year. With seven goals and eight assists across all competitions so far this season, Salah’s output remains respectable for any elite winger, yet it’s a huge drop compared to the 57 goal involvements he registered last term. The blistering pace that once terrified full-backs has not been there and his goalscoring prowess has experienced uncharacteristic dips.
A notable drop in form earlier in the season sparked debate among pundits and supporters alike. Critics have pointed to a decrease in his successful dribbles and touches inside the opposition box, suggesting that Mo is being forced to find new ways to influence matches. Rather than the primary finisher, he has frequently operated as a playmaker, dropping deeper to link play and creating chances for Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo.
Friction and Resilience at Liverpool
It has not been a season without its headlines for Salah. His public outburst at Elland Road in December, following a spell on the substitute bench, suggested a rare moment of friction between Salah and head coach Arne Slot. For a player who has historically played every available minute, the reality of rotation has clearly been a difficult pill to swallow.
Nevertheless, his resilience and determination to remain fully fit remains his greatest asset. His performance in the 3-0 FA Cup victory over Brighton in February, where he recorded both a goal and an assist, served as a timely reminder of his enduring quality.
Where does Mo’s future lie?
Speculation regarding Salah’s future continues to intensify. With his current two-year contract about to enter it’s final year, and continued interest from the Saudi Pro League, many wonder if this is could be his final season in red.
Regardless of where he plays next season, Salah’s form this year reflects the inevitable evolution of a legend. He may no longer be the player who guarantees 30 goals a season, but his presence remains vital to Liverpool’s ambitions, as the Reds push for Champions League and FA Cup success.
