Mohamed Salah only has one real decision to make at Liverpool after AFCON

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Liverpool Echo IconSportFootballLiverpool FCIn the second part of his column, John Aldridge argues that Mohamed Salah must return to Liverpool after AFCON and help Arne Slot’s side push for a strong finish to the season.05:00, 16 Dec 2025Updated 09:22, 16 Dec 2025It is hoped that Liverpool can put the Mohamed Salah sideshow behind them now after his return to the squad on Saturday. The bombshell interview he gave at Leeds United got a bit political with the manager Arne Slot and it didn't need to be that way really, so let's hope the issue is now put to bed, for the good of the club.At the very least, Salah's participation at the Africa Cup of Nations means Slot won't have to field any more questions about what happens now.

That breathing space might be crucial as the club and player work out their next steps.Mo looked hungry when he came on as well in that 2-0 win over Brighton. He got an assist for Hugo Ekitike, could have had another one on a plate for Alexis Mac Allister and put it over the bar from a great ball by Federico Chiesa late on.READ MORE: Mohamed Salah branded 'egotistical' as Liverpool learn 'dream' transfer replacementIt was the sort of busy afternoon from Salah that we haven't seen too often and I'd ask why did it take for that interview at Leeds to seemingly spark it all into life?Where has that determination been in recent weeks?

To only spring into action after the furore at Elland Road is not right.It's not been a vintage season from Salah and he is on course to score his lowest ever tally in a season at Liverpool in what is his ninth campaign now, should he complete it, of course.At times, Mo has almost disappeared in games.But Saturday was much more like the old Mo we know and love and the last thing he will have wanted will have been to have left for the AFCON and possibly for good with a whimper.He's at least gone out on a high now but let's hope it's only for a few weeks.Salah has been one of the greatest this football club has ever seen and whatever happens now will happen but, for me, he owes it to himself to come back to Anfield after AFCON with Egypt and make sure he helps with the push in the second half of the season.The send-off he got on Saturday after the game was nice to see from the fans, who don't want to pick sides in this one, but generally, if his Anfield career does end now, it will be such a sour note to say goodbye on.If he leaves, then at least he left with the fans singing for him, but that just can't be it where Mo Salah's association with Liverpool FC goes, surely?Maybe he returns from Morocco revitalised and ready to put a disappointing few months behind him?Because, hey, Liverpool could certainly use a player of his quality to get them back up the league table in the New Year.And given the player he has been since day one at Anfield, you certainly wouldn't put that past him.John AldridgeThe Liverpool FC, Tranmere and Republic of Ireland great, Aldo's lively and opinionated weekly column on LFC is a must read for all Reds fans.