Mohamed Salah will leave Liverpool for the Africa Cup of Nations on December 15, after agreement between the club, the player and Egyptian FA. But could this also be his final goodbye from Anfield?
Despite a pre-tournament friendly against Nigeria scheduled for December 14, Salah confirmed he will remain at Anfield to face Brighton & Hove Albion ruling out any early release to join Egypt.
The decision ends weeks of negotiations and media speculation, bringing clarity to Liverpool’s immediate planning and Salah’s international commitments.
Liverpool’s head coachArne Slot explained the club, the national federation and Salah decided on December 15 as the release date. In line with guidelines set by FIFA for AFCON player availability.
Slot said the decision involved “communication between all three, the player, club and country.”
That timing ensures Salah stays available for Liverpool’s upcoming match against Brighton, before joining his national team for AFCON duty.
Salah’s departure leaves a significant gap in Liverpool’s attacking options during a critical phase of the season. The club must now plan without one of its most influential players until at least late January. depending on Egypt’s tournament progress.
Mo Salah will go head to head with Striver.Football's very own official AFCON content creator Macauley Bonne of Zimbabwe.
For Egypt, confirming Salah’s arrival on December 15 ensures he will miss the pre-tournament friendly, but be available for full AFCON preparation and the group stage proper. The pharaohs need their captain fit and ready.
Still, tension remains in the background. Earlier, after a 3-3 draw with Leeds United, Salah publicly suggested he could leave the club in the January transfer window. His comments cast uncertainty over his long-term future at Anfield.
Liverpool will face Brighton in what may be Salah’s last match before AFCON. Then his focus shifts to Egypt and a quest for another continental title.
Meanwhile, the club must adapt quickly. Possibly reshaping tactics and squad rotation even though Mo Salah has struggled for form this season.
Striver.Football is the world's only abuse free social media app in the world. Better still it's only for football, football fans and people of the beautiful game! Click here to download now!
