Ibrahima Konaté Responds to Claims That Mo Salah Has Played His Final Match for Liverpool
Ibrahima Konate was quizzed on whether Mohamed Salah may have played his final match for Liverpool after the forward acknowledged the Anfield crowd on Saturday — and his answer was revealing.
In a headline-making interview on December 6, Salah hinted that Liverpool’s Premier League meeting with Brighton could be his last appearance for the club, with the Africa Cup of Nations on the horizon as he prepares to link up with Egypt.
The 33-year-old’s future has been clouded by controversy. He claimed Liverpool had “thrown him under the bus” during a difficult opening to the 2025–26 season and suggested his relationship with new manager Arne Slot had deteriorated. After voicing his frustrations following a 2–2 draw with Leeds United, Salah was omitted from Slot’s squad for the Champions League victory over Inter Milan.
Following discussions with Slot on Friday, however, Salah returned to the matchday squad for the weekend clash against Brighton. Named on the bench, he came on in the 26th minute after Joe Gomez was forced off injured. He went on to make history, setting a new Premier League record for most goal involvements with a single club (277) by providing a second-half assist for Hugo Ekitike in a 2–0 win.
At full-time, Salah was seen applauding the Kop with a broad smile as supporters sang his iconic “Mo Salah running down the wing” chant — a moment that only added to the intrigue surrounding his future.
Despite ongoing uncertainty ahead of the January transfer window, Konate appeared to offer reassurance when speaking to French broadcaster Canal+. Asked whether he believed Salah had just played his last game for Liverpool, the defender replied:
“Personally, no — I don’t think so.”
Konate added that Saturday’s scenes showed how deeply Salah cares about the club, urging people to understand the frustration that can affect players who have achieved so much.
“He’s a player everyone loves — the coach loves him, he loves the coach, and there’s love throughout the club,” Konate said.
Still, interest in Salah remains intense. Saudi Pro League chief executive Omar Mugharbel confirmed this week that clubs in Saudi Arabia are keen on the Egyptian star.
“Muhammad Salah is welcome in the Saudi League, but negotiations are up to the clubs,” he said at the World Football Summit. “Of course, Salah is one of the targets.”
According to reports, Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, Al Ahli and Al Qadsiah are all monitoring the situation closely.
Speaking after the Brighton win, Slot was asked if he expects Salah to remain at the club in January despite AFCON commitments.
“Yes,” Slot said. “He’s a Liverpool player, and when he’s available, I want to use him. He didn’t start today, but before that he started almost every game.”
The Dutchman also praised Salah’s impact off the bench, noting he was close to another assist, nearly scored, and remained a constant threat — exactly what Liverpool needed.