Graeme Souness says Mohamed Salah should leave Liverpool this summer
Former Liverpool captain Graeme Souness has urged Mohamed Salah to leave Anfield this summer, attributing the club’s difficult Premier League season to the forward’s dramatic decline in form.
Liverpool are currently fifth in the table during a challenging domestic campaign under manager Arne Slot.
Despite remaining in contention for both the FA Cup and Champions League, their title defence has faltered significantly.
The Egyptian has struggled in front of goal, managing just five league strikes so far this term.
‘Falling off a cliff’
Speaking to the Mail Online, Souness delivered a scathing assessment of the forward’s recent performances.
“When you get to that sort of 33-34 age area, it’s either falling off a cliff, or it’s a slow decline,” Souness said.
“I think Salah is the former.”
The Scottish pundit revealed his concerns began during the Community Shield curtain-raiser against Crystal Palace.
“I didn’t know what was wrong with him,” Souness added.
“I thought maybe he needs half a dozen games to get up to speed, but he’s never improved.”
Impact on Liverpool’s season
Souness believes the lack of goals from the 32-year-old is the primary reason behind Liverpool’s indifferent domestic form.
He suggested that the negativity surrounding the club is affecting other squad members who are failing to respond positively.
“When you’re in that position, you need big players to stand up and be counted,” the former midfielder stated.
When asked directly if the prolific attacker should depart Merseyside at the end of the season, Souness was unequivocal.
“Yes,” he replied. “His best is behind him now, there’s no doubt about that.”
Contractual situation and legacy
The three-time Golden Boot winner has been the undisputed talisman for the Reds over the past seven years.
However, Souness feels the winger has lost the sparkle that previously allowed him to single-handedly change matches.
“He’s a Liverpool great, but his best season is behind him,” Souness concluded.
The former Roma player remains contracted to the club until 2027 after signing a lucrative extension in April last year.
