It's not the right time for Salah to leave Anfield.

Salah could leave Liverpool.

Liverpool entered the weekend with a strange paradox: Mohamed Salah wanted to say goodbye at Anfield, but the club was trying to keep all doors open. Not because they expected the 33-year-old star to change his mind, but because a well-timed wave could instantly lower his transfer value.

In an era where every small detail is scrutinized, Liverpool understand they cannot afford to undermine their position before the winter transfer window opens.

Liverpool's caution

Salah still has a contract until 2027, and that's Liverpool's biggest advantage. They don't want to send the signal that the striker has "no way back" at Anfield.

A touching farewell, if it were to happen this weekend, would be irrefutable proof that Salah and Liverpool have reached the end of their relationship. Saudi Arabia, who are willing to pay any price, would then hold the upper hand. Liverpool cannot accept that.

This isn't a love story. This is a matter of economics and power.

Salah was left out of the squad for the Champions League League match against Inter Milan. He trained with the team for one session, and then trained alone for the next.

Manager Arne Slot hasn't decided whether to include Salah in the squad for the Brighton game. But one thing is certain: players who aren't playing still have to show up at Anfield. Salah will still be there, but Liverpool don't want to turn that evening into a public farewell.

In an interview last weekend, Salah said he would go to Anfield to “say goodbye to the fans” before participating in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. This statement was the spark that ignited the controversy. For Liverpool, it was a misstep. The club lost Trent Alexander-Arnold almost on a free transfer last season and only managed to recoup £10 million in early release fees. They didn't want to be in the same position again.

What Liverpool needs is a worthy transfer fee for a player who has scored over 200 goals, become an icon of the Klopp era, and is one of the most famous Muslim figures in the world .

Salah is losing himself.

Four clubs owned by PIF – Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli – are all ready to jump into the deal. But groups outside of PIF, such as Al Qadsiah, are also pursuing it aggressively with the backing of giant corporations like Aramco. One source described this race as "doing everything possible," because Salah is not only a professional player but also a cultural icon.

In that context, a farewell wave at Anfield could cost Liverpool tens of millions of pounds.

Carragher apologizes, Klopp reiterates the truth.

Jamie Carragher, who once called Salah a "disgrace" after a controversial interview, had to apologize on CBS. This is a rare incident that shows Liverpool's internal unity is no longer as absolute as it once was.

Jurgen Klopp, who understands Salah better than anyone, also described the Egyptian striker as a player who is "not easy but not difficult to manage," and that problems only arise when he is substituted or not in the starting lineup. That's the nature of a superstar: the desire to be on the pitch always exceeds all limits.

Virgil van Dijk didn't take sides. He emphasized that this was a matter between the club and Salah, and the dressing room wouldn't interfere. Dominik Szoboszlai also stated frankly: each player has their own life and career, and they have no right to judge.

These reactions were neutral yet subtle. The Liverpool team understood they couldn't afford to add fuel to the biggest crisis of the season.

Everyone senses that Salah is nearing the end of his journey at Liverpool. But that moment won't come this Saturday. Not because the sentiment isn't strong enough, but because Liverpool needs to protect its interests for a negotiation phase that could reshape the European winter transfer market.

Salah wants to say goodbye. Liverpool wants to postpone it. And Anfield, despite being accustomed to beautiful moments, will have to wait to witness the final appearance of the number 11 in red.

Source: https://znews.vn/chua-phai-luc-salah-roi-anfield-post1610205.html