Liverpool Begin Planning for Life After Salah Despite New Contract Extension
Despite Mohamed Salah recently signing a new two-year deal that keeps him at Anfield until 2027, Liverpool are already laying the groundwork for a future without their talismanic winger.
The 32-year-old’s extension brought relief and joy to fans, ending months of speculation about his future.
But with Salah set to turn 35 by the end of the contract, it’s only natural that new head coach Arne Slot starts eyeing long-term successors on the right flank.
Salah Likely to Miss Key Games Due to AFCON
According to the Daily Express, Salah is expected to miss a chunk of the 2025/26 season as Egypt has qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations, taking place in Morocco from December 21 to January 18.
Given the timing, he could be sidelined for up to 10 matches, depending on how far Egypt progress and factoring in travel and recovery.
This period overlaps with a critical stage in the Premier League and domestic cup competitions, meaning Slot will need to reshuffle his attacking setup in Salah’s absence.
A Glimpse Into the Post-Salah Era
Liverpool have faced similar situations before, most notably during the 2021/22 season when both Salah and Sadio Mané were away for AFCON.
Despite their absence, the Reds performed impressively, lifting two trophies and nearly securing an unprecedented quadruple.
Salah’s potential unavailability offers Slot a valuable opportunity to test out alternatives and assess who could eventually fill the No. 11’s boots.
While his remarkable durability may still see him play a full season unless injury intervenes, the club recognizes that it must begin preparing for the long term.
In many ways, next season’s AFCON could serve as a dress rehearsal for Liverpool’s future without one of its greatest-ever players.
