Whether or not Arne Slot survives his position as coach of the football club, it seems that the Egyptian’s time is also coming to an end.
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With interest from Saudi Arabia intensifying ahead of the January transfer window, it would not be a surprise if Liverpool considered accepting a bid for Salah.
This would have been unthinkable just a few months ago. However, relations have deteriorated and his outburst after Leeds United in the mixed zone simply showed that something is not quite right.
As Salah himself suggested, it seems that someone doesn’t want him at the club. Whether it is Slot or the club’s board of directors is debatable.
However, Salah’s words about his farewell to the Liverpool fans at Anfield against Brighton seem to be pretty indicative of how bad things have gotten.
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With Salah set to leave for the African Cup of Nations, that Brighton match could be the last for Liverpool. It would be a sad end for a club legend.
It would also be appropriate for Salah’s definitive successor to the throne to be announced at the weekend’s match.
Liverpool face a Brighton full of talent. But there is one talent that stands out from the rest: Yankuba Minteh. He has simply been sensational this season and is someone Liverpool see as a replacement for Salah.
Minteh does not have the same performance as Salah. But he offers speed on the wings and the ability to play as a winger. He is more of a facilitator as a winger. Someone who will go down the flanks, make crosses and look to create opportunities for his teammates.
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That is exactly what Liverpool need right now with the profile of forwards they have. Make what you will of Arne Slot’s comments about how the Reds don’t have a Jacob Murphy profile on the team, it’s true.
Minteh is that profile. He could help unlock Alexander Isak and maybe even bring out the best in Hugo Ekitike.
It would therefore be fitting if he put in a good performance at Anfield this week and in the process announce himself as Salah’s successor.
Sometimes a good performance is enough. Not only to convince the board but also the fans. Take Sadio Mane, Takumi Minamino, Luis Díaz or Darwin Núñez as an example.
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They all caught the eye against Liverpool before moving to Anfield.
Minteh could easily be next. He fits the profile Liverpool want during the post-Salah era. He will not be as prolific as the Egyptian but he will create more chances and could make Liverpool a more balanced team.
The fact that you have already worked with Slot is a plus. Perhaps bringing in Minteh could even save the manager’s job.