Liverpool are enduring a summer of turmoil, with the Merseyside giants undergoing a change in manager, while also losing their star man Mohamed Salah
A summer of change has become complicated for Liverpool, with Andoni Iraola now in charge at the club. The Basque manager is keen to instil his philosophies and style of play into his new team.
While the club are embarking on a fresh chapter following the sacking of Arne Slot, they’re also stepping into the uncertainty of life after Mohamed Salah. For nine years, the Egyptian was the Reds’ standout player, but he revealed he would leave the club at the end of last season, leaving Iraola to start his new journey without the prolific striker.
Many supporters would be thrilled if Salah were to reconsider his decision, especially now that Slot, with whom he reportedly had a complex relationship, has departed. However, today’s news suggests Salah has made a decision about a return to Anfield, while another ex-star is rumoured to be considering a comeback to the Reds.
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Former Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren has claimed that Salah will not go back on his decision to exit the club. There had been some optimism that, following Slot’s exit, the winger might rethink his choice, reports the Mirror.
However, speaking to WinWin, the Croatian put an end to those faint hopes. He stated: “No, it’s over. Mo has a big personality too. I don’t know, if they hadn’t announced all of that, all the details of leaving, saying thank you and goodbye and saying goodbye, maybe yes, but now it’s difficult.”
Yet in a devastating blow to supporters, Lovren reckons that Salah could have remained at Anfield had he been aware that Slot would be departing earlier.
He continued: “Yes, he would have stayed 100%. Believe me, he would have stayed 100%, I know that. But the timing was bad.
“Only a fool would say we no longer need him. Only a fool would say that. I mean, to say you don’t need Mohamed Salah at Liverpool, when he can still perform at the highest level for another two or three years, then we have a problem understanding football.”
Salah and Slot’s relationship was reportedly strained, with the forward launching two public tirades during the latter half of the campaign. While it appears unlikely he’ll be returning to Anfield, he’s yet to reveal where he’ll be playing after his departure.
Ex-Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is reportedly eager for a return to the club. The forward moved to Al-Hilal for £46.3million in the summer of 2025, but he’s struggled during his stint in Saudi Arabia.
The Uruguayan was dropped from the squad in February following the signing of Karim Benzema. Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo reports that Nunez would welcome a Merseyside comeback.
Nevertheless, the report also claims that Xabi Alonso’s arrival at Chelsea has sparked the Blues’ interest. Barcelona and Newcastle United are also cited as potential destinations. The Uruguayan international signed for Liverpool in the summer transfer window of 2022 from Benfica, with an initial fee of £64m. He netted 40 goals in 143 appearances for the Reds, but only started eight Premier League matches during their championship-winning season.
Upon his departure from Liverpool he stated: “Liverpool will always be part of who I am. I’ll miss you more than words can say. To all the staff and my teammates – thank you and all the very best for the future.”