Mohamed Salah received a notable reaction from the Anfield crowd on Saturday when he came on to replace Joe Gomez during the first half of Liverpool’s Premier League match against Brighton.
The reception capped a turbulent week for the Egyptian forward, who had been omitted from Liverpool’s squad for their Champions League clash with Inter Milan just days after giving a candid interview about his situation at the club.
Salah, Liverpool’s third-highest goalscorer of all time with 250 goals, claimed the club had “thrown him under the bus” following a difficult start to the 2025–26 season. After being left on the bench for a third straight match against Leeds United on December 6, he also suggested his relationship with head coach Arne Slot had deteriorated.
Uncertainty continues to surround Salah’s future, particularly after he hinted that the Brighton game could be his final Premier League appearance for Liverpool. Meanwhile, Dominik Szoboszlai was deployed at right-back after Gomez picked up an injury.
With speculation growing, Saudi Pro League clubs including Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, Al Ahli and Al Qadsiah are reportedly ready to pursue Salah, according to The Telegraph.
Fuel was added to the rumours earlier this week when Salah was spotted dining in West London with former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson. Henderson, who has played in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ettifaq, was reportedly seen in deep conversation with Salah for around 90 minutes, with witnesses claiming he was answering numerous questions from his former teammate.
A source told The Sun that both players attempted to keep a low profile by wearing masks and hats, but their presence still caused a stir, with onlookers immediately speculating about a possible move to Saudi Arabia.
The meeting followed comments from Saudi Pro League chief executive Omar Mugharbel, who confirmed that Salah is indeed a major target for clubs in the region.
