Van der Vaart’s Take: Salah’s Liverpool Future Could Benefit All Sides

Is It Time for a Salah Split?

Rafael van der Vaart, the former Tottenham star, has delivered bold remarks suggesting Liverpool should consider parting ways with Mohamed Salah. He argues that Salah's departure at the end of the season would be beneficial for all involved—players, the club, and perhaps even Salah himself. The message is not that Salah is finished, but that change could unlock a fresh dynamic at Anfield.

Salah has not matched his explosive form this campaign, recording 7 goals and 8 assists so far, a stark contrast to last season's 34 goals and 23 assists. Van der Vaart says Salah's pace has faded with age, transforming the winger into a player who relies more on movement and craft than raw speed. "When I watch Mo in his position on the pitch, I clearly see that he has lost that extra pace that used to set him apart, and that's natural with age," he told Liverpoolfc.com. "In the past, he sprinted past defenders with ease, but now things look very different, largely because of age."

Van der Vaart also compared Salah's situation to the broader pressure of carrying a global superstar. "Having a player with world fame can sometimes become a burden. When the coach expects a certain performance and it's not delivered, he has the right to drop him from the lineup, but because it's Mohamed Salah, the reaction is enormous." Yet he cautioned against overreacting, noting that Liverpool are not relying on one man alone and that others must step up. He also highlighted the example of Virgil van Dijk, who, despite a few uneven performances, has remained a high-class player this season.

Ultimately, Van der Vaart suggested that a summer move might be the best option for both parties: Salah could seek a new challenge, while Liverpool could recalibrate their attack around a rejuvenated squad. The Dutchman spoke in an interview with Liverpool.com, framing his view as a measured assessment rather than a vendetta against Salah. As the transfer talk intensifies, fans will watch how Klopp plans to balance ambition, aging stars, and the club's long-term strategy.

Punchline 1: If Salah departs, Liverpool will finally learn that you can win games without a highlight reel—though the rumor mill will still be doing laps around the stadium.

Punchline 2: And if Salah stays, get ready for a press conference marathon—because drama at Anfield never goes out of fashion.