Arne Slot’s arrival at Liverpool at the start of the 2024–25 season marked the beginning of a new era. Succeeding a figure as influential as Jürgen Klopp was never going to be easy, yet Slot exceeded expectations almost immediately. Liverpool surged to the Premier League title, driven by exceptional individual performances. Mohamed Salah produced some of the finest numbers of his career, Ryan Gravenberch reinvented himself as one of the league’s most dynamic midfielders, and Virgil van Dijk returned to his imperious best at the heart of defence.
That triumph now feels a long way off.
Only months into the following campaign, Liverpool’s wins began to look fragile. Narrow victories relied on late goals and moments of individual brilliance. A dramatic comeback against Newcastle was sealed by a stoppage-time strike from teenager Rio Ngumoha. Dominik Szoboszlai stepped up against Arsenal, while Salah rescued points with a last-gasp winner against Burnley. The results were there, but the dominance had faded.
From champions to crisis
By late September, the illusion cracked. Crystal Palace inflicted a damaging defeat, and Liverpool never truly recovered. Performances dipped, confidence drained away, and defeats started to mount. As the festive period approached, Liverpool found themselves languishing in tenth place, clinging to the top half of the table.
The numbers made grim reading. Six league defeats, two losses in the Champions League, and an early exit from the Carabao Cup left the club facing the prospect of one of the worst title defences in Premier League history. Comparisons with Leicester City’s post-title collapse in 2016–17 began to surface, and Liverpool risked finishing even lower.
Amid the downturn, Mohamed Salah became a central figure in the storm. Slot benched him against West Ham, a match Liverpool won convincingly. The decision was based not only on a dip in form, but also on concerns over Salah’s defensive contribution. Opponents openly targeted the space he left behind, with Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella later admitting their game plan was designed to exploit it.
Salah was again left out against Leeds, and tensions finally spilled into the open after a damaging draw. The Egyptian forward publicly expressed his frustration, questioning why he was being sidelined and suggesting he was being made a scapegoat. His comments sent shockwaves through the club and dominated the narrative around Liverpool’s season.
Slot, taken aback by the public nature of the criticism, responded firmly. He emphasised that Salah had trained well and remained professional, but made it clear that no individual was bigger than the team. Salah was subsequently omitted from the Champions League squad, underlining the seriousness of the situation.
An uncertain future
With the Africa Cup of Nations approaching and Salah’s contract situation unresolved, Liverpool now face a genuine possibility of life without their greatest modern forward. His relationship with the manager appears fractured, his form has dipped, and interest from Saudi Arabia remains strong.
Saudi Pro League clubs have long viewed Salah as the ultimate marquee signing. His cultural influence across the Middle East and Africa is unparalleled, and his commercial value rivals the biggest names in world football. Previous bids reached astronomical levels, and fresh offers remain on the table. While Liverpool maintain publicly that they do not want to sell, the reality is more complex.
Replacing Salah’s output borders on impossible. Last season alone, he contributed over a third of Liverpool’s league goals, winning both the Golden Boot and Playmaker awards while matching the all-time Premier League record for goal involvements in a single campaign. No direct like-for-like replacement exists. Instead, any succession plan would require a shift in structure and responsibility.
The contenders to fill the void
Several names have emerged as potential options if Liverpool decide to move on.
Antoine Semenyo stands out as a Premier League-proven winger entering his prime. Powerful, quick, and effective on either flank, he combines direct attacking play with a strong defensive work rate. His involvement in a high percentage of Bournemouth’s goals highlights his influence, and in a stronger team, his numbers could rise further.
Michael Olise represents a different profile. Technically gifted and tactically intelligent, he thrives in possession-based systems and excels at creating chances. Still only in his early twenties, his output in goals and assists places him among Europe’s most productive wide players, though any move would likely command an enormous fee.
Rodrygo offers pedigree and experience at the highest level. While his recent domestic numbers have dipped, context is key. Frequently shifted to accommodate other superstars, he has rarely been the focal point. At Liverpool, he could rediscover his best form with a more defined role and renewed responsibility.
Anthony Gordon is perhaps the most emotionally charged option. A boyhood Liverpool supporter released as a child, his work rate, pressing intensity, and Premier League experience make him a natural tactical fit. While his numbers fluctuate, his motivation and familiarity with the league add an intangible edge.
The alternative: trust what’s already there
There is also a compelling argument for not signing a replacement at all. Liverpool have already invested heavily in attacking talent, and Slot has options at his disposal. Hugo Ekitike has adapted quickly, Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz are still settling into the system, and players like Cody Gakpo and Federico Chiesa provide flexibility across the front line.
Slot has experimented with different attacking shapes, including dual-striker systems, and the potential combinations are intriguing. Salah’s departure could also accelerate the development of young talents. Rio Ngumoha’s fearless breakthrough and Jayden Danns’ promise hint at a future built not just on marquee signings, but on youth progression.
What this means for Slot
Ironically, Salah’s public outburst may have bought Slot time. Before the comments, questions were growing about whether the Dutchman was merely benefiting from Klopp’s legacy. Now, the club faces a clear choice: back the manager or risk surrendering authority to player power.
If results improve, Slot’s position strengthens. If not, no amount of off-field drama will shield him. Either way, Salah’s long-term future at Anfield appears uncertain, and Liverpool must prepare accordingly.
Looking beyond Salah
Salah’s final appearance before departing for international duty was met with overwhelming support from the Anfield crowd. An assist, a lap of appreciation, and thunderous applause served as a reminder of his legacy. Whether that moment marked the beginning of the end remains to be seen.
Liverpool’s future will not hinge on replacing one man with another. Their success over the past decade has been built on smart recruitment, tactical clarity, and unwavering belief in a collective vision. If Salah leaves, that same blueprint will be required once more.
Life after Mohamed Salah will be different. It may be less explosive, less certain, and less iconic. But if Liverpool get it right, it does not have to be lesser
