Ask Onix
Salah makes Anfield return amid transfer speculation
Mohamed Salah entered Saturday's Premier League match against Brighton in the 26th minute, replacing the injured defender Joe Gomez, marking his first appearance for Liverpool since publicly criticizing the club.
Injury substitution sparks emotional reception
Liverpool supporters greeted Salah's introduction with loud cheers at Anfield. The 33-year-old Egyptian forward had been named to the substitutes' bench after missing the midweek Champions League victory over Inter Milan in Italy.
Manager Arne Slot opted for only eight substitutes instead of the usual nine for the Brighton fixture.
Recent tensions and squad selection
Salah had been left out of the starting lineup for five consecutive matches, prompting him to claim last weekend that the club had "thrown [him] under the bus" following Liverpool's 3-3 draw with Leeds. He later revealed he invited his family to Saturday's game, hinting it could be his final appearance before departing for the Africa Cup of Nations.
"I will be in Anfield to say goodbye to the fans and go to the Africa Cup of Nations. I don't know what is going to happen when I am there."
Mohamed Salah
Transfer rumors and contract status
Saudi Pro League clubs have long expressed interest in Salah, with Liverpool rejecting a £150 million bid from Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023. The forward remains under contract until 2026 but has faced uncertainty over his future amid ongoing transfer speculation.
Salah's agent, Ramy Abbas, is expected to hold discussions with the club while the player is on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Manager's uncertainty and fan reactions
Earlier this week, Slot admitted he had "no clue" whether Salah had played his last game for Liverpool. However, following constructive talks, the forward was included in the squad for the Brighton match.
With 250 goals in 421 appearances, Salah ranks as the club's third-highest scorer of all time, though his recent absence from the starting lineup has fueled speculation about his future.
