Liverpool in Freefall: Hasselbaink Reveals Why Salah Seems Frustrated

Liverpool's slump deepens as Salah's form dips

Former Dutch striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes Mohamed Salah is navigating a period of frustration as Liverpool endure a challenging 2025-26 season, noting that the Egyptian superstar is no longer the unquestioned first option in the side.

Salah scored his first goal in more than a month in the 0-3 defeat to Brentford, and has just four goals in 13 appearances this season, a stark drop from last season's 34 goals and 23 assists in 52 games.

Those numbers helped Liverpool clinch the league in Klopp's first season and earned Salah a contract extension as a reward for his output.

But the 2025-26 campaign has seen a clear dip in form for the Reds, who have lost four league games consecutively and exited the League Cup after a 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace.

Haselbaink told Sky Sports that Klopp is still searching for his best XI; Van Dijk hasn't hit his peak lately; Konaté is fighting but inconsistent; and Bradley, a young midfielder, is not yet ready to lead the team.

He added that the midfield needs a genuine number 10, implying the team must adjust its style to get the best from Salah and the attack. "There are many things not right at Liverpool at present," Hasselbaink said.

He continued that Salah appears a little disgruntled, partly because he isn't delivering the required impact and partly because he is no longer the sole star in the squad. New signings such as Hugo Ekitike have come in seeking bigger roles and are eager to prove themselves.

He explained that in the past Salah would receive the ball whenever available, but Ekitike is now trying to make a difference himself, a natural step for newcomers eager to show they deserve playing time at Liverpool.

He concluded that the current situation doesn't look comfortable for Liverpool; Klopp faces a major balancing act to restore harmony, but has yet to find the right formula.

In defense of the visitors, Hasselbaink notes that Salah's form remains a major talking point around the world, particularly with Saudi Pro League rumors suggesting a lucrative move of around 150 million pounds per annum anytime he wishes.

At 33, Salah's contract runs until 2027, and 2026/2027 is viewed by some as the final season with Liverpool, after which the door could open for a move to Saudi Arabia in a potential historic deal for Arab players.

With that in mind, the club is reportedly looking for a successor, and one name on the shortlist is England winger Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United, seen as a versatile attacker who could fit Klopp's flexible, fast counter-attack system.

Gordon's development at Newcastle has impressed scouts at Anfield. Liverpool believes he could operate across multiple attacking roles, just as players like Cody Gakpo, Ekitike, and Salah do, and might be a natural fit when Salah eventually leaves.

It is noted that Gordon has previously been a target for the Reds and still holds high regard within the club. If development continues, he could become Salah's long-term replacement when the time comes.

Salah missed Liverpool's most recent match, a 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace, as the Reds bowed out of the League Cup.

In the same vein, Salah has also faced sharp criticism from English pundits such as Jamie Carragher and Paul Scholes, prompting him to remove the Liverpool tag from his X profile.

Despite the dip in form, Salah remains capable of breaking records and is just one direct contribution away from Wayne Rooney's Premier League record for a single club, with 276 contributions (183 goals, 93 assists) achieved during Rooney's spell with Manchester United. Since joining Liverpool in 2017, Salah has racked up 275 contributions (187 goals, 88 assists) in the league for the Reds.

So the tally puts him one behind Rooney, a gap that could close soon if Salah keeps creating chances and scoring, even as the team searches for its new balance.

Punchline 1: Salah's drought is so long that even the scoreboard filed a complaint for emotional distress.

Punchline 2: If patience were a player, Klopp would have it on a decade-long contract while waiting for Salah to rediscover his magic.