Liverpool’s Future Could Unfold Without Mo Salah Next Season, Despite Locking Him into a Fresh Two-Year Deal

In a surprising twist, Liverpool could be facing a future without Mo Salah, even after the star winger signed a fresh two-year contract extension that keeps him at Anfield until 2027. The deal, which has sent ripples of joy through Reds fans, secures Salah’s place in Merseyside for the immediate future. But as the 32-year-old prepares for the latter stages of his career, questions loom about Liverpool’s strategy beyond his eventual departure.

A New Chapter for Salah

The deal extension has come at a crucial time for Salah, who had been at the center of intense speculation regarding his future. His current form continues to make him a vital part of Liverpool’s attack, but at 32, the looming reality of retirement or a potential move elsewhere is on the horizon. The new contract, however, assures Liverpool of his services for a few more years, but could it really be the calm before the storm?

Despite this security, Salah’s age raises concerns about how much longer he can maintain his exceptional level of performance. At 35, his contract is due to end, and the club may need to start looking at alternatives for their right-wing position in the coming seasons.

The Africa Cup of Nations Challenge

Salah’s involvement with Egypt in international competitions could further complicate things for Liverpool. Salah is set to miss a significant portion of the 2025/26 season due to his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Egypt’s qualification for the tournament means Salah will be away during the European club season, between December 21 and January 18, when the competition takes place in Morocco.

This scheduling is a headache for many European clubs, as it overlaps with the busy festive fixture list. Should Egypt reach the final, Salah could be unavailable for as many as 10 matches, factoring in travel and recovery time. With Liverpool’s crucial winter fixtures at stake, Salah’s absence could be a major blow.

A Trial Run for Life Beyond Salah?

The upcoming AFCON could present Liverpool with a unique opportunity to prepare for life beyond Salah. The Reds are no strangers to dealing with AFCON absences. Salah’s previous involvement in the tournament saw him miss several matches for Liverpool, including the 2021/22 season, when both he and Sadio Mane were absent for an extended period. Despite this, Liverpool triumphed in two major trophies, even coming close to a historic quadruple.

This time, under manager Arne Slot, the Reds will be tasked with adapting to life without their talisman once again. It could be a test run for the club to explore other options for the right wing, as they look to shape their future post-Salah. The question remains: Who will step up in his absence?

Building for the Future

Salah’s potential absence offers a chance for Liverpool to evaluate their options for the long term. Whether due to AFCON or a potential injury (as seen during his absence in the 2024 edition), Slot will have to plan for the worst-case scenario. The opportunity to scout and develop future alternatives for the position could be vital in maintaining Liverpool’s competitiveness once Salah eventually departs.

However, replacing a player like Salah won’t be easy. With his position as Liverpool’s third-highest scorer of all time, the void left by him would be monumental. His influence on the pitch is undeniable, and finding a replacement that can offer the same level of performance will be one of the club’s greatest challenges in the years ahead.

Adapting to Change

Liverpool has proven to be resilient in the past, especially when faced with challenges like this. The 2021/22 season saw the Reds cope admirably in the absence of both Salah and Mane, securing two trophies while narrowly missing out on a historic quadruple. Slot will need to ensure that the squad can maintain the same high standards even when Salah is unavailable.

The upcoming AFCON could act as a litmus test for Liverpool’s ability to adapt without their star player. With so much at stake in the 2025/26 season, all eyes will be on how the team manages to keep the momentum going in Salah’s absence. Will another player rise to the occasion, or will Liverpool struggle without their number one winger?

What’s Next for Mo Salah?

While Salah’s new contract guarantees he will be with Liverpool for a while longer, the realities of aging and the demands of international football mean that the club cannot afford to rely on him indefinitely. Liverpool will need to look ahead to life without Salah and begin planning for a future where he may no longer be a fixture in their starting XI.

Salah’s legacy at Liverpool is secure, but the question remains: How will the club evolve in the post-Salah era? Slot and the Liverpool hierarchy will need to make strategic decisions to ensure the club’s success, both domestically and in Europe, when the Egyptian winger eventually moves on.

The Future of Liverpool’s Right Wing

With Salah’s age and international commitments, Liverpool must begin to think about their future right-wing options. The club has been linked with several potential replacements for Salah over the years, but no one has been able to come close to matching his impact. Whether it’s through scouting young talent or transitioning existing players into new roles, Liverpool must be proactive in finding the next star for that pivotal position.

The club’s ability to continue performing at the highest level without Salah will be key in the coming years. With AFCON on the horizon, this season could be the perfect opportunity for Slot to test new options and explore how the team can cope without their talisman.

The Big Question: Can Liverpool Thrive Without Salah?

Salah has been an integral part of Liverpool’s success over the years, and his influence on the pitch cannot be overstated. But as the Egyptian superstar enters the twilight years of his career, Liverpool must prepare for a future without him. Whether through his involvement in AFCON or the eventual end of his playing days, the club needs to start building for the future now.

Liverpool’s resilience and adaptability will be put to the test in the coming seasons. If they can continue to perform at a high level without Salah, it will be a testament to their strength as a team and their ability to evolve with the changing landscape of football.

As Salah’s contract nears its end, Liverpool’s future could look very different. Will they continue to thrive without their star winger, or will they struggle to adapt? Only time will tell.

Conclusion

Liverpool’s future without Mo Salah may be inevitable, but it will be a challenge the club faces head-on. With AFCON and Salah’s eventual departure on the horizon, the team must prepare for the day when the Egyptian forward is no longer a key figure in their lineup. The next few seasons will be crucial in shaping the future of Liverpool’s right wing and ensuring that the club remains competitive at the highest level.

For now, Liverpool fans can take comfort in the fact that Salah is still committed to the club for a few more years. But the question remains: What comes next?