Liverpool’s most iconic goalscorer of the modern era, Mohamed Salah, is now at the centre of a growing storm surrounding his future at Anfield. After years of being the club’s unquestioned superstar, the Egyptian international suddenly finds himself dropped from Arne Slot’s starting lineup in consecutive Premier League matches. This startling shift has triggered widespread speculation that Salah could leave Liverpool far sooner than anyone expected — perhaps as early as the upcoming January transfer window.

Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp believes the situation has reached a critical point. Speaking on Sky Sports, he warned that Salah’s patience will not last if he continues to watch games from the bench. Redknapp argued that Salah is far too important, accomplished, and competitive to tolerate a reduced role for long — especially at a club where he has long been the dominant attacking presence.

Redknapp noted that Salah may feel both undervalued and unfairly blamed for Liverpool’s inconsistent season. The Reds have struggled to match the intensity and rhythm of their title-winning campaign, and high-profile teammates such as Virgil van Dijk have already expressed frustration at recent performances. Yet Salah, despite still being one of the most feared forwards in world football, has suddenly become the one sidelined.

This shift in status comes despite Salah signing a new contract last year — a deal that now only has 18 months remaining. That contract timeline adds urgency to decisions ahead, as Liverpool will not want to risk losing such a valuable asset for a diminished fee if his power within the squad declines. According to Redknapp, waiting until his contract winds down would be a mistake for both the club and the player: “I’ll be amazed if he sees out the final two years,” he said. “Nothing will surprise me — whether it’s January, or in the summer.”

He continued by explaining that Salah has earned the right to influence his own future. If he cannot command an automatic starting place at Liverpool, he may demand a move where he remains the focal point. Redknapp is convinced Salah still craves football at the highest European level — especially given the upcoming African Cup of Nations, where he will captain Egypt and expect to return as a leader in form.

Talk of departure inevitably brings up the destination. The Saudi Pro League has not hidden its desire to lure the Egyptian legend to the Middle East. Clubs such as Al Hilal and Al Qadsiah have already made approaches in past transfer windows and remain eager to secure his signing. With massive financial backing and a hunger for global stardom, Saudi sides would have no hesitation offering a record-breaking package to both Liverpool and Salah.

Redknapp acknowledged this possibility but doesn’t believe Salah would necessarily jump straight into a league viewed — for now — as less competitive. If he still sees himself as a Champions League-level superstar, Europe remains very much in play.

Major League Soccer is another intriguing possibility. With San Diego joining the league and possessing Egyptian ownership, reports suggest they would be at the front of the queue for Salah’s signature if he chose the United States. MLS has become increasingly aggressive in securing global icons, and their success in signing Lionel Messi proves they can deliver deals that once seemed impossible.

Europe, however, could pull strongest at Salah’s heartstrings. He previously enjoyed successful spells in Serie A with Fiorentina and Roma. A sentimental return — or even a bold move to another major European powerhouse — cannot be ruled out. Barcelona have been mentioned as an option, especially as they may soon need to replace aging striker Robert Lewandowski. If the Catalan giants can manage their complicated finances, Salah could be a marquee solution to their attacking transition.

Meanwhile, Turkish giants Galatasaray are rumoured to be interested as early as January. They have previously shown willingness to take advantage of big-club frustrations, as seen when they accepted Victor Osimhen on loan during a conflict at Napoli. While Galatasaray’s financial strength is far below that of Saudi or MLS clubs, they offer Champions League exposure and a passionate fanbase that would welcome Salah as a hero.

Despite all those scenarios, the most surprising part of the current situation isn’t the list of possible destinations — it’s that Salah’s future at Liverpool is suddenly uncertain at all.

This is the man who has scored goals in abundance since arriving from Roma in 2017. The man who shattered club records, delivered a Champions League trophy, and helped secure Liverpool’s historic Premier League title. For years, his presence in the lineup was unquestionable. The idea of Liverpool voluntarily playing without Salah — let alone starting crucial matches with him on the bench — would once have been unthinkable.

But now, under a new manager and amid a season of shifting identity, the unthinkable is becoming reality.

Supporters are watching closely. Analysts are questioning whether Arne Slot truly intends to build a new system without Salah as the centrepiece. And if so — what does Liverpool’s future look like?

One thing is certain: Salah will not quietly fade into a rotation role. If he feels his purpose at Liverpool is being diminished, he will make a decision that protects his legacy — not one that keeps him waiting on a bench.

Liverpool fans may soon have to confront a scenario they hoped was far away: Anfield without Mohamed Salah.

For a player who has delivered so much joy, so many unforgettable moments, and so many goals, the idea that his Liverpool career could abruptly end within weeks feels almost surreal. But football changes quickly, and sometimes even legends are forced into new chapters sooner than anyone expects.

The next move — whether in January or the summer — could define the final peak years of Mohamed Salah’s incredible career.