Here's a bold statement: knowing when to leave a legendary football club might be just as important as the legacy you leave behind. But here's where it gets controversial... Should Mohamed Salah start planning his exit from Liverpool, especially after a recent dip in form and a rare benching? Let's dive into this intriguing debate.
As Mohamed Salah represents his country at the Africa Cup of Nations, far from Anfield, a former Liverpool great, Ian Rush, has shared his thoughts on when the Egyptian star should consider moving on. Rush, a club legend who once held the record for most goals scored for Liverpool, believes Salah should only think about leaving when he’s no longer a guaranteed starter. This advice comes at a curious time, as Salah’s 2025/26 season has been uncharacteristically slow, a far cry from his usual brilliance. Last season, Salah’s 29 goals were instrumental in helping manager Arne Slot clinch the Premier League title, but this term has seen a noticeable decline in his performance.
And this is the part most people miss... Salah’s struggles mirror Liverpool’s broader challenges this season. At 33, the forward’s form has dropped, leading to him being benched at the end of November, a rare sight for a player who has been a mainstay in the starting lineup for nine seasons. His absence from the pitch against West Ham and Sunderland marked only the second time in his Anfield career that he’s been left out of two consecutive starting lineups. This has sparked speculation about his future, especially in light of Rush’s earlier comments.
Rush, who left Liverpool for Leeds United in 1996, drew from his own experience when advising Salah. At 64, Rush recalled his decision to move on, stating, 'I left because I wasn’t playing regularly. I just wanted to play football. Sitting on the bench wasn’t for me. I saw players like Robbie Fowler and Stan Collymore thriving, and I knew it was time to seek a new challenge.' Rush’s move to Leeds was driven by his desire to play consistently, a sentiment he believes Salah should consider if he finds himself in a similar situation.
However, Rush was quick to clarify that Salah’s current circumstances are different. When discussing Salah’s situation last year, Rush noted, 'Mo’s not even at that stage yet. There’s no reason for him to leave now.' At the time, Salah was in top form, and his contributions were vital to Liverpool’s success. There were even concerns he might leave for the Saudi Pro League, but he ultimately signed a two-year extension in April 2025, committing until 2027.
But here’s the controversial question... Given Salah’s recent decline and Liverpool’s current struggles, should he follow Rush’s advice and consider a dignified exit at the end of the season? Or is this just a temporary setback for a player who has given so much to the club? Salah’s situation raises broader questions about player longevity, club loyalty, and the right time to move on. What do you think? Is it time for Salah to start thinking about life after Liverpool, or does he still have more to offer at Anfield? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
