The Mohamed Salah contract saga has finally been resolved, with the forward signing a new two-year deal — but that doesn’t mean all of Arne Slot’s problems for next season are solved.
Liverpool have stayed focused on their title charge despite the uncertainty surrounding the contracts of three senior players set to expire this summer. While Salah’s future is now settled, questions remain over Virgil van Dijk’s situation and the widely expected departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid once his contract ends.
At 32, Salah’s renewal means Liverpool fans can expect more goals and assists from the Premier League’s most productive player, who currently tops Europe’s big five leagues in both categories and has been vital in Liverpool’s push for the title.
However, Salah could miss up to ten matches for Liverpool next season due to FIFA’s controversial decision to expand the Club World Cup, which has affected the scheduling of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
AFCON, usually held in January and February, will now take place from December 21 to January 18, 2025, in Morocco — right in the heart of the Premier League’s busiest period. This shift comes as CAF was unable to move the tournament to the summer due to FIFA’s new tournament plans.
This change could mean Salah is unavailable for six Premier League games, plus one each in the Champions League and FA Cup, and two in the Carabao Cup, according to estimates based on this season’s fixture list.
While Liverpool have dealt with AFCON absences in the past — thanks to key players like Salah and Sadio Mane — squad depth will once again be crucial. Despite the challenges, Salah’s contributions have always made these international commitments worth navigating.
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