Mohamed Salah remains at the centre of intense transfer speculation, but Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has moved to shut down any suggestion that the Liverpool superstar is in “crisis” as Africa Cup of Nations duty begins.
Salah arrived in Egypt’s AFCON camp following a turbulent spell at Liverpool, where he was benched for five consecutive Premier League matches under Arne Slot. That decision sparked widespread debate over his future at Anfield and led to public comments from the forward that fuelled rumours of an imminent exit.
Despite the noise surrounding him, Hassan insists Salah’s focus and mentality remain fully intact.
Egypt boss rejects “crisis” claims around Salah
Speaking to reporters from Egypt’s training base, Hassan played down any concerns over the 33-year-old’s mindset.
“Salah’s morale in training is very high, as if he were just starting out with the national team. I don’t consider what happened to him to be a crisis. These things often happen between players and coaches. His focus is entirely on the tournament.” — Hossam Hassan
Hassan went further, describing Salah as an “icon” and reaffirming his status among the world’s elite players, adding that he fully supports the Liverpool forward in everything he does.
Benched at Liverpool as tensions surfaced
Salah’s situation at Liverpool escalated after he was left on the bench for a prolonged period, culminating in limited minutes during a dramatic 3-3 draw at Leeds. Following that match, the Egyptian voiced frustration publicly, accusing the club of leaving him exposed and admitting his relationship with Slot had deteriorated.
He was then omitted entirely for a Champions League clash with Inter before being recalled after internal discussions for a league win over Brighton, where he registered an assist. Shortly after, Salah departed England to link up with Egypt, leaving unresolved questions behind him on Merseyside.
Transfer talk refuses to fade
Although Liverpool are keen to play down the episode, speculation surrounding Salah’s long-term future continues. Interest from the Saudi Pro League has resurfaced, with clubs in the Middle East reportedly ready to table lucrative offers for the two-time Premier League title winner.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher is among those who have suggested Salah could move on in early 2026, potentially after adding another major honour to his collection.
Salah signed a two-year contract extension in April, tying him to Liverpool until the summer of 2027. Should he see out that deal, he would complete a decade at Anfield, having already scored 250 goals in 421 appearances and claimed four Golden Boots.
AFCON offers familiar stage for Salah resurgence
Hassan believes international duty has often brought out the best in his captain — particularly during periods of club-level turbulence.
“Whenever Salah’s performances dip with his club, he regains his strength with the national team,” Hassan said. “He becomes even better, either by scoring or helping others score. Then he returns to his club stronger.”
Egypt will once again look to Salah for inspiration as they chase a record-extending eighth Africa Cup of Nations title. The forward has endured heartbreak at international level, losing finals in 2017 and 2022, but recently helped the Pharaohs qualify for the 2026 World Cup and now has 63 goals from 103 caps since his senior debut in 2011.
Egypt group-stage schedule in Morocco
Egypt begin their AFCON campaign on Monday against Zimbabwe, with all three group-stage fixtures taking place in Agadir. South Africa and Angola complete Group B, while the final of the tournament is scheduled for January 18 — by which time another transfer window will be firmly open.
For now, Hassan insists Salah’s mind is exactly where Egypt need it to be.
Key insights
- Hossam Hassan denies Mohamed Salah is in “crisis”.
- Salah was benched for five straight Premier League games at Liverpool.
- Public comments fuelled speculation over his Anfield future.
- Saudi Pro League interest has resurfaced.
- Egypt hope Salah can lead them to AFCON glory.
What’s next for Salah?
Salah’s immediate focus is firmly on Africa Cup of Nations success with Egypt, starting against Zimbabwe. What follows — whether a renewed Liverpool chapter or a new challenge elsewhere — is likely to dominate headlines once the tournament concludes.
👉 Liverpool fans — do you expect Salah to return fully reintegrated after AFCON, or is this the beginning of the end at Anfield?
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