Key Points
- Mohamed Salah has endured a season of inconsistency, scoring only five goals in 22 appearances amid Liverpool’s sixth-place position in the Premier League.
- Former Liverpool midfielder Gary McAllister attributes Salah’s dip primarily to the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, disrupting their telepathic partnership on the right flank.
- Ex-Chelsea players Ashley Cole and Joe Cole have accurately identified key factors in Salah’s struggles, echoing assessments from Liverpool legends like McAllister.
- Salah’s frosty relationship with manager Arne Slot has fuelled exit rumours, with Saudi Pro League offers on the table as his contract nears its end.
- Liverpool are planning for life post-Salah, targeting replacements including RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande for a potential £107 million fee.
Liverpool (Liverpool Standard) February 19, 2026 – Mohamed Salah’s form has plummeted this season, with the Liverpool forward managing just five goals in 22 outings as the club languishes in sixth place.
Former Reds midfielder Gary McAllister has dissected the Egyptian’s woes, pinpointing Trent Alexander-Arnold’s summer move to Real Madrid as the critical loss that has left Salah isolated without his key supplier.
Why has Mohamed Salah struggled without Trent Alexander-Arnold?
McAllister, speaking to Fox Sports, highlighted how the right-back’s departure severed a telepathic link forged over years, leaving Salah without the precise passes that amplified his movement off the ball. Liverpool’s title defence has faltered, trailing leaders Arsenal by 15 points after 26 matches, according to Goal.com reporting.
As reported by Gary McAllister of Fox Sports, “He’s a top player but he’d be the first guy to say that he’s not had a great season. He’s suffered a little bit of inconsistency as well.”
What have Ashley Cole and Joe Cole said about Salah’s dip?
Ex-Chelsea stars Ashley Cole and Joe Cole have nailed the analysis of Salah’s challenges, aligning with McAllister’s view on the Alexander-Arnold factor and broader team inconsistencies, as covered in LiverpoolWorld. Their insights underscore how the loss of synergy on Liverpool’s right has exposed Salah to greater isolation against compact defences.
How did Salah’s fallout with Arne Slot play out?
Salah publicly accused the club of throwing him “under the bus” after being benched for a 3-3 draw with Leeds in December, per Fox Sports. Tensions with Slot eased post-AFCON talks, yet his output remains subdued at four league goals this term, down from last season’s Golden Boot-winning 29.
What are the implications for Salah’s Liverpool future?
With one year left on his deal, ProFootballNetwork reports Saudi Pro League interest, prompting Liverpool to eye successors like Yan Diomande, Nico Williams, Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola. Club legend Virgil van Dijk has voiced support amid the speculation, as noted by World Soccer Talk.
McAllister urges Salah to shun a Saudi move, insisting the 33-year-old retains elite physicality for Premier League competition.
