Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.
Wayne Rooney, the former Manchester United legend, has suggested that Mohamed Salah may not be fully happy at Liverpool following the club’s signing of striker Alexander Isak from Newcastle United for a British record £125 million. Rooney, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live and quoted by The Daily Star, pointed out that despite Salah having been Liverpool’s best player for several years, the arrival of Isak — a potent goalscorer — is likely to challenge Salah’s position and the attention he receives.
Rooney explained that this situation impacts Salah's personal pride, as the Egyptian forward “will want to be the best.” The arrival of Isak represents Liverpool’s strategic succession planning given Salah’s age (33 years) and contract running until 2027. Rooney likened this to his own experiences as a player, noting that when new signings arrived, he would not view them as threats but rather feel motivated to perform better.
Thus, Rooney sees the competition brought by Isak's signing as a potential stimulus for Salah to raise his game rather than a negative sign, emphasizing the personal drive to maintain top form when new talent joins the squad. This reflects a broader dynamic in football where leading stars are motivated by challenging competition within their teams.
In summary, Wayne Rooney’s comments highlight that Mohamed Salah’s potential dissatisfaction at Liverpool is rooted in natural competitiveness and pride rather than overt unhappiness, and the club’s investment in Isak signals preparations for future attacking options post-Salah’s peak years.
PP