Ex-Premier League star Rafael van der Vaart claimed Mohamed Salah should leave Liverpool during the summer transfer window, while backing Arne Slot to turn things around at Anfield
Luke Thrower Trends Writer
09:14, 22 Feb 2026
Mohamed Salah could leave Liverpool this summer(Image: Getty Images)
Former Premier League soccer star Rafael van der Vaart has suggested that a summer departure for Mohamed Salah from Liverpool would benefit all parties involved.
Salah found himself at the center of a public dispute with the club in December, following a spell on the substitutes’ bench under manager Arne Slot. The attacker criticized his situation before suggesting a potential January exit.
Salah was omitted from the squad for the Champions League triumph over Inter Milan, but returned to action in the 2-0 win against Brighton following direct discussions with Slot. Prior to joining Egypt’s Africa Cup of Nations squad, the forward also issued an apology to his teammates.
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Nevertheless, the summer transfer window could mark the conclusion of Salah’s time at Anfield, with Saudi Pro League sides reportedly maintaining their interest in securing his signature.
Van der Vaart considers the situation straightforward, telling Sky Bet: “When I look at Mohammed Salah and the position he plays on the pitch, he has lost that extra half yard and the pace is gone with age.
“When you look at Virgil van Dijk, age is less important for a defender.
Salah continues to be linked with an exit from Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
“There were games he performed not at his best and everyone writes him off, but over a full season, even at this age, he shows everyone how good he is.
“Having a big player and a big name (like Salah) is sometimes a problem for both the player and coach.
“When you expect certain things as a coach from him, and he doesn’t do it, then of course you have the right to put him on the bench, but because it’s Mohamed Salah, this can cause a massive issue – in every press conference every question will be on Salah.
“It could be best for both sides if Salah goes somewhere else in the summer.”
While Van der Vaart believes Salah leaving may be best for everyone this summer, he doesn’t think the same about Reds boss Slot.
“Arne Slot is the man that can turn things around at Liverpool, I believe this 100 percent. Spending £500m in the summer gives you no guarantee that the team is going to be better, and we’ve seen this,” he said.
“You have to remember that when Liverpool were winning, a lot of the time it was a goal in the last minute. Football is sometimes a game of luck and now they’re in a phase where the luck is not on their side.
“I really hope that Liverpool stay calm and keep Slot because he can turn it around.”
