Former Senegal international El-Hadji Diouf has weighed in on Mohamed Salah’s future, raising the possibility of the Egyptian star joining Manchester City should he leave Liverpool.
Diouf, who represented Liverpool from 2002 to 2005, remains an ardent follower of the club and its key players, he assessed Salah’s current form, his importance to the Reds, and the speculation surrounding his next move.
Salah’s Standout Season
Salah has been a pivotal figure for Liverpool this season, registering 32 goals and 22 assists across all competitions. Diouf believes the Egyptian’s impact has been greater than in previous campaigns, particularly as he now stands as the team’s undisputed leader following the departures of Sadio Mané and Roberto Firmino.
“He has always been an outstanding player, but this season, he has taken it a step further. His consistency, his goal tally, and his ability to create chances make him the team’s most important player,” Diouf said.
“When Salah is not at his best, Liverpool rely on Alisson Becker to keep them in games. These two are the backbone of the team.”
Ballon d’Or Hopes Dented by European Exit
Despite his stellar performances, Diouf suggests Salah’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or are slim due to Liverpool’s absence from the Champions League.
He acknowledges that rivals like Kylian Mbappé have stronger cases if they secure major trophies, particularly in Europe.
“He is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world right now, but the Champions League matters in the Ballon d’Or race.
Liverpool won’t be competing for that, while players like Mbappé are still in the hunt,” he noted.
Salah’s Future: Stay or Go?
With Salah’s contract set to expire on June 30, uncertainty looms over his future. Diouf believes Liverpool fans want him to stay, but negotiations over a new deal remain unresolved.
“Salah deserves a better salary, and it’s only natural for a player of his caliber to ask for one,” Diouf explained.
“However, football is a team sport played by some of the most individualistic people in the world. Liverpool will prioritize the club over any player, no matter how great.”
Should an agreement not be reached, Diouf thinks a move could be on the cards. “Maybe it’s time for Salah to seek a new challenge after seven years at Liverpool,” he suggested.
Where Could Salah Go?
Paris Saint-Germain and Saudi Arabian clubs have been mentioned as potential destinations, but Diouf questions whether PSG can offer Salah a system suited to his strengths.
“PSG have the financial resources, but would they structure the team around him as Liverpool has? I’m not sure. And then there’s Ousmane Dembélé, who plays in the same area as Salah. Would that work?” he pondered.
As for Saudi Arabia, Diouf acknowledges the growing competitiveness of the league but believes Salah may want to remain at the highest level, especially with the 2026 World Cup in mind.
A Surprise Move to Manchester City?
In a bold prediction, Diouf floated the idea of Salah joining Manchester City, arguing that Pep Guardiola could maximize the Egyptian’s potential.
“It sounds crazy, but why not? City have the financial power, and Guardiola would know exactly how to use Salah.
There could be departures from City this summer, and if Guardiola wants to rebuild, Salah could be a key part of that,” he said.
As speculation continues to swirl, Salah’s next move remains uncertain. Whether he stays at Liverpool or embarks on a new challenge, his future will be one of the biggest talking points in the coming months.
