Mohamed Salah is earning the highest salary in Liverpool’s history — but that very “golden contract” has now become the center of a growing crisis at Anfield. Tension with manager Arne Slot, declining performance, and an increasingly heavy financial burden are placing the Egyptian superstar’s future at an unpredictable crossroads.
Mohamed Salah’s Record-Breaking Salary at Liverpool
At Anfield, Mohamed Salah has long been a symbol of success. From the moment he arrived in the 2017/18 Premier League season to the peak years that followed, Salah not only delivered goals but also reignited belief in a squad desperate for trophies. Yet today, the conversation surrounding the Egyptian star has little to do with spectacular goals or broken records — and everything to do with his massive salary and the behind-the-scenes conflict clouding his future.
A Salary Package That Shocked the Premier League
In April 2025, Liverpool broke their long-standing wage structure to keep Salah, offering him a contract worth £400,000 per week. This instantly made him the highest-paid player in the club’s history, trailing only Erling Haaland’s £500,000-per-week deal at Manchester City.
Since signing the new contract, in just eight months, Salah has earned £14 million — averaging £586,000 per match. Taking it even further, with a total of 2,149 minutes played, each minute on the pitch costs Liverpool £6,514, meaning every second Salah plays is worth £108.5.
These figures would be impressive for any player, but for a club like Liverpool — known for its financially sustainable model — this level of expenditure is a significant strain, particularly now that Salah’s performance is no longer meeting expectations.
Declining Form and Growing Pressure
From April until now, Salah has scored only seven goals, far below his usual standards. Based on this season’s numbers, Liverpool are effectively paying £2 million per goal — an investment ratio that is clearly unsustainable.
Decline is natural for players in their thirties, but for Salah — famous for his discipline and elite athleticism — the drop-off has been especially noticeable. It affects not only Liverpool’s results but also raises tough questions about whether the club’s most expensive contract is still justified.
A Rift with Manager Arne Slot
While poor form is a footballing issue, the situation escalated after the 3–3 draw against Leeds on December 7. In a rare moment, Salah publicly criticized manager Arne Slot — a sign that his frustration had surpassed its limit, revealing deep cracks within the dressing room.
Given Salah’s status and influence, these comments were not mere post-match complaints; they were a clear indication that he no longer sees eye-to-eye with the Dutch manager, who is trying to reshape the squad according to his own philosophy.
Liverpool, a club famous for prioritizing unity, reportedly did not appreciate Salah’s outburst. Disciplinary measures have been discussed, making his future even more uncertain.
A Potential January Exit
When the club’s highest earner publicly clashes with the head coach, the issue is far more than a simple internal dispute. Multiple sources in England suggest Salah could leave as early as the January transfer window — just eight months after signing his new deal.
A move to Saudi Arabia has long been rumored. Middle Eastern clubs remain willing to pay enormous transfer fees and even offer Salah a salary surpassing Haaland’s. However, Liverpool’s instability means the board must think carefully:
- Selling Salah midseason could derail the team,
- But keeping a disgruntled superstar could freeze the locker room.
A Legend Caught Between Expectation and Reality
In modern Liverpool history, few players have reached Salah’s stature. He has been central to nearly every major triumph under Jurgen Klopp: the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, and Club World Cup. His legacy is woven into the fabric of the club.
But all golden eras fade. Tension with the new manager, the pressure of a massive salary, and declining output have pushed Salah into his most difficult period since arriving in England.
An Uncertain Future at Anfield
Right now, all scenarios are possible. Liverpool may keep Salah until the end of the season for stability, or they may decide to sell him to free up a huge wage bill and reinvest in Arne Slot’s rebuilding project.
But one thing is becoming clear: the “Salah era” at Anfield is nearing its final chapter. A player who once brought endless joy to Liverpool fans is now facing the possibility of an exit under circumstances few could have imagined.
And sometimes, the most expensive contracts reveal the deepest cracks — something Liverpool must confront in this turbulent season.