Rooney Warns Mohamed Salah Is “Destroying His Legacy” As Saudi Clubs Line Up January Bid

Wayne Rooney has accused Egyptian International, Mohamed Salah of damaging his own reputation at Liverpool after the forward publicly claimed he had been “thrown under the bus” by the club.

Mohamed Salah’s comments came after Liverpool’s dramatic 3-3 draw with Leeds United, where he was left on the bench once again. The Egyptian said his relationship with head coach Arne Slot had collapsed, a statement that has sparked questions over his future at Anfield.

Rooney, speaking on his podcast, urged Slot to show leadership by removing Salah from the squad for upcoming matches, including Tuesday’s Champions League trip to Inter Milan and the home game against Brighton.

“Arne Slot has to show his authority and pull him in and say, ‘you are not travelling with the team, what you said is not acceptable, ’” Rooney said. “Take yourself off to AFCON and let everything calm down. If I were him, there would be no way he would be in the team.”

Rooney went further, saying Salah now faces a choice between resolving his issues with Slot or preparing to walk away from the club where he has become a modern icon.

“It needs to be sorted out quickly either way,” he added.

Salah signed a two-year extension in April but has endured a difficult start to the season. He has five goals in nineteen games and has been left out of the starting line-up for three matches in a row, a situation that has fuelled his frustration.

His remarks have already drawn interest from abroad. Reports in England claim Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal are ready to make a move in January and believe they can tempt Liverpool into a cut-price deal for the 33-year-old. Salah has scored 250 goals in 420 appearances since joining Liverpool, making him one of the most prolific players in the club’s history.

Al Hilal, now coached by Simone Inzaghi, are expected to face competition from clubs in Europe. GiveMeSport also reports that MLS side San Diego is exploring a potential offer as they prepare for their entry into the league.

According to BBC Sport, Liverpool are keeping an open mind on Salah’s future ahead of the January window. The forward is also said to be open to a new challenge.