Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool future has entered a new and increasingly dramatic chapter after the winger was reportedly spotted in a discreet London meeting with former Reds captain Jordan Henderson. The encounter, which took place on Wednesday afternoon in an upscale West London restaurant, has only intensified speculation that the unsettled forward is considering a move away from Anfield—possibly as soon as the January transfer window.

Salah has dominated headlines in recent days following an explosive post-match interview after Liverpool’s 3–3 draw with Leeds. Left on the bench for the full 90 minutes at Elland Road, the 33-year-old did not hold back when speaking to reporters. He accused the club of “throwing him under the bus,” claimed he was being unfairly blamed for the team’s struggles, and admitted he no longer had a functional relationship with new manager Arne Slot. His comments sent shockwaves throughout the football world and prompted fierce reaction from supporters, pundits, and former Liverpool legends.

The outburst came on the heels of weeks of rising tension between Salah and the club. His absence from the squad again—this time for Liverpool’s midweek Champions League win over Inter Milan—only added fuel to the fire. And now, Salah’s unexpected reunion with Henderson, a former teammate who spent a brief and controversial spell in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ettifaq, has sent speculation into overdrive.

According to The Sun, Salah and Henderson attempted to keep the meeting secret, arriving at Chelsea’s well-known Italian restaurant Scalini wearing masks and hats to disguise themselves. Onlookers reported that the pair appeared deep in conversation throughout their 90-minute lunch, leaning in closely and speaking with intensity as they ate pasta and sipped coffee and sparkling water.

Their conversation, witnesses say, was unmistakably serious. With the Saudi Pro League having publicly reaffirmed interest in Salah—Al Hilal, Al Qadisah, and Neom are among the clubs tracking him—many believe Salah was using the opportunity to gather firsthand insight from someone who has already experienced life in the Middle Eastern league. While Henderson’s time in Saudi Arabia was brief and ended abruptly, he reportedly spoke positively during their conversation, answering Salah’s many questions and offering details about the league that only an insider could provide.

One witness described the scene as surreal: “Mo was listening so carefully—he seemed curious, focused, and really thinking through what Jordan was saying. It felt like something significant.” Another added that the immediate assumption among diners was clear: “Salah’s off to Saudi.”

This comes after a series of developments that have pushed Salah closer to the exit door. On Wednesday, Saudi Pro League chief Omar Mugharbel reiterated that Salah remains a major target for the league’s biggest clubs, calling him “welcome” in Saudi football. And on Thursday, MLS commissioner Don Garber added a surprising new twist when he urged Salah to “reach out” to Lionel Messi and Thomas Müller—two veterans who have thrived since joining the American league. Garber insisted Salah would be “welcomed with open arms,” marking the first time MLS has openly courted him.

Despite the global interest, Liverpool maintain that Salah is not for sale. The club point to the long-term contract he signed only months ago, reportedly worth more than £400,000 per week, and insist the situation with Slot can be resolved. Behind the scenes, however, sources believe Liverpool’s stance may be strategic—a way to protect Salah’s value should the situation deteriorate further.

For their part, SPL insiders interpret Liverpool’s defiance differently. They suspect Salah’s fractured relationship with Slot may still push him toward the exit—especially now that he appears to be weighing his options more seriously.

Meanwhile, Salah’s own comments after the Leeds match continue to reverberate. He described his benching as shocking, adding: “I could not believe I was sitting there for 90 minutes. That’s the third time. It’s the first time in my career.” He suggested the club had broken promises made to him in the summer and accused someone internally of wanting him to take the blame for recent struggles. His admission that he no longer has “any relationship” with Slot added yet another layer of concern.

As Liverpool prepare for their match against Brighton on Saturday—their final game before Salah departs for the Africa Cup of Nations—it remains unclear whether he will feature. Slot is expected to face a barrage of questions during Friday’s press conference, and supporters are bracing for what could become a defining moment in the Salah-Liverpool saga.

For now, all eyes remain on the winger’s next move—and whether his quiet lunch with Henderson marks the beginning of a dramatic farewell chapter for one of Liverpool’s greatest modern icons.