Salah, 33, ignited a storm inside the club after an explosive interview in which he accused Liverpool of “throwing him under the bus” and admitted he no longer has a working relationship with head coach Arne Slot. His comments were followed by his omission from the squad for Tuesday’s Champions League tie against Inter Milan, with the Egyptian later posting a cryptic image on social media as supporters demanded clarity on his future.

The forward has told close friends and even invited his mother to Anfield that Saturday’s game may be his final appearance for the club before he departs for the Africa Cup of Nations. By the time he returns, the January transfer window will already be open and Saudi clubs are preparing formal offers.

According to reports, Liverpool’s hierarchy do not want any public “goodbye gesture” for Salah at the weekend, believing such an emotional moment could weaken their negotiating power with Saudi Pro League clubs ready to bid next month. With Salah contracted until 2027, Anfield officials are determined not to signal that the relationship is beyond repair even if Slot’s comments suggest tensions remain raw.

After Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Inter Milan, Slot was pressed on whether he and Salah could rebuild their partnership. “Everyone makes mistakes,” he said, before suggesting it was up to Salah to take the initiative if he wanted to mend the relationship. He added that his focus remained on the players who stepped up in Milan, rather than the off-field drama surrounding the club’s star forward.

Saudi Pro League chief executive Omar Mugharbel confirmed that Salah remains a high-priority target for clubs in the division as they plan their next wave of marquee signings. While Mugharbel insisted that negotiations would be handled by individual clubs, he made it clear the league would welcome Salah’s arrival.

Salah has started on the bench in Liverpool’s last three matches and has played just 45 minutes in that period. His chances of starting against Brighton remain unclear, and Slot is expected to address the situation in his pre-match press conference.

With tensions escalating, major Saudi interest building, and AFCON calling him away next week, Saturday could indeed mark a turning point but Liverpool are adamant that if Salah leaves, it will be on their terms, not on the back of an emotional goodbye.