Mohamed Salah, Liverpool's esteemed two-time African Player of the Year in 2017 and 2018, is currently at the heart of a significant controversy at Anfield, fueling intense speculation about his long-term future with the club. This high-profile fallout has escalated due to a series of public statements and crucial internal discussions.

The current predicament began to unravel following Liverpool's 3-3 draw with Leeds United, a match in which Salah was notably benched for the third consecutive time. In a subsequent and highly controversial post-match interview, Salah openly expressed his profound disappointment and criticized the club's handling of his repeated exclusions. He conveyed a feeling of being "thrown under the bus" by Liverpool and strongly implied that his relationship with manager Arne Slot had fractured. Furthermore, Salah suggested that promises made to him during the summer had been broken, contributing to his current frustrations.

Salah's explosive comments triggered immediate and widespread debate, prompting manager Arne Slot to initially consider omitting the star forward from the squad for the UEFA Champions League fixture against Inter Milan. Slot later clarified that the decision to leave Salah out of the Inter Milan match was a collective club decision, a choice he was part of, while unequivocally asserting his ultimate authority over team selection and lineup decisions. Despite the evident tension, Slot publicly stated that he had "no reasons not wanting him to stay" at Liverpool, confirming that numerous conversations had taken place between Salah, his representatives, and senior club officials throughout the preceding week.

The unfolding saga has attracted significant external commentary. Former Burnley and Southampton striker Charlie Austin offered his perspective on Sky Sports News, suggesting the situation had "come too soon" and would have been more appropriately managed around mid-April, potentially leading to a summer departure. However, Austin firmly underscored Salah's critical importance to the team, labeling him "Liverpool's talisman" and "Liverpool's best player." He insisted there was no legitimate reason to exclude Salah from playing for Liverpool once he returned from the Africa Cup of Nations. Austin also made a contentious remark, speculating that "a lot of Liverpool players will be happy that Salah has taken the flak," implying he was shielding others from criticism.

Adding further doubt to Salah's Anfield tenure, Premier League legend Alan Shearer voiced strong skepticism about the Egyptian's future, suggesting he might have already played his final game for the club. Shearer believed that an apology from Salah was unlikely, a scenario that could very well signal the definitive end of his time on Merseyside. While acknowledging Salah's immense achievements during his eight years at the club – including being instrumental in Premier League and Champions League triumphs and becoming Liverpool's third all-time leading scorer with 250 goals – Shearer lamented that the public airing of grievances would inevitably "tarnish" his otherwise stellar legacy.

The ongoing turmoil has predictably reignited fervent interest from various clubs. Saudi Arabian clubs, long-time admirers of the Egyptian superstar, are now expected to intensify their efforts to acquire him during the upcoming transfer window. Omar Mugharbel, chief of the Saudi Pro League, publicly reaffirmed their keen desire to secure Salah's services, capitalizing on the apparent rift at Liverpool. Reports indicate that Salah has initiated consultations regarding a potential move, including a discreet meeting with his former Liverpool captain, Jordan Henderson, at an Italian eatery in Chelsea. During this meeting, Salah reportedly sought insights into Henderson's experiences playing in the Saudi Gulf. Additionally, Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber publicly extended an invitation, advising Salah to inquire with Lionel Messi and Thomas Müller about the prospects of playing in the MLS.

Amidst this intense speculation, a crucial immediate decision was made regarding Salah's involvement in Liverpool's Premier League match against Brighton & Hove Albion. Following positive and direct conversations with Arne Slot on Friday, sources confirmed Salah would be included in the squad for the Saturday fixture. This decision was largely influenced by Slot's desire to act in the club's best interests, particularly in light of several player injuries. Salah was scheduled to depart on December 15 to represent Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations, making the Brighton game a potential last appearance before the tournament. He had even reportedly invited his mother to attend this match, suggesting a farewell of sorts.

Despite Salah's inclusion in the Brighton squad, it is understood that fundamental issues between the player and the club remain unresolved. These ongoing concerns are slated to be addressed by Liverpool and Salah's agent, Ramy Abbas, while the forward is away at the Africa Cup of Nations. The impending winter transfer window presents a critical "now or never" juncture for both Mohamed Salah and Liverpool. If a reconciliation with Arne Slot and the club's hierarchy cannot be achieved, a January transfer to a Saudi Arabian club may emerge as the most realistic outcome. Conversely, should Salah return from AFCON reintegrated and reconciled with the club, he could still conclude the season as Liverpool’s pivotal attacking leader, steering them through the remainder of their campaign.