Liverpool might have to prepare for life without Mo Salah next season, even though he just signed a new two-year deal.

Liverpool Likely to Begin Preparing for Post-Salah Era Despite New Contract

Despite Mohamed Salah recently signing a two-year contract extension with Liverpool, the club may soon have to start planning for life without their star winger. The 32-year-old ended months of speculation by committing his future to the Reds until at least 2027, sparking widespread joy among fans.

However, by the end of this new deal, Salah will be 35, and even before then, incoming manager Arne Slot may need to begin considering long-term alternatives on the right wing.

AFCON Set to Sideline Salah Mid-Season

According to the Daily Express, Salah is expected to miss a significant portion of the 2025/26 season due to his likely involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with Egypt already qualified. Unlike recent editions held in January, the next tournament in Morocco kicks off on December 21 and runs through January 18—right in the thick of the festive Premier League schedule.

If Egypt progresses to the final, and Liverpool’s fixture list mirrors that of the 2024/25 season, Salah could be absent for up to 10 matches, factoring in travel and recovery time.

A Glimpse Into the Future Without Salah

Liverpool are no strangers to losing key players during AFCON. The club has previously managed without both Salah and Sadio Mane, including during the 2021/22 season when they still secured two trophies and nearly completed a historic quadruple.

While there’s always the risk of injury ruling him out anyway—Salah did suffer a knock during the 2024 edition—he’s typically one of the most durable players in the squad.

If he does represent Egypt in the tournament, Slot will need to adapt without him during a crucial period, which could serve as an early test of how Liverpool might cope once Salah eventually moves on.

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