Rangers in Salah talks as Liverpool brace for worst-case scenario on Egyptian star

The Salah exit saga took another turn this week, with Scottish Premiership outfit Rangers apparently having broached the subject of the Liverpool forward's potential availability, according to club advisor Stig Inge Bjornebye.

The writing has been on the wall since last month when Liverpool confirmed that Salah's nine-year tenure at Anfield will conclude this summer. The Egyptian has been a colossus in a red shirt, amassing 257 goals across 440 matches—a legacy that places him comfortably among the Reds' all-time greats.

Yet there's a cloud hanging over what should be a straightforward farewell. Salah limped off during Saturday's 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace with a hamstring complaint, and Liverpool boss Arne Slot's comments suggest the injury could prove more serious than initially feared.

"We don't know," Slot said when quizzed on whether Salah might feature in any of Liverpool's remaining quartet of fixtures. "That is the best answer I can give. There might be a chance but we simply don't know."

The manager struck a cautiously optimistic note, noting that Salah's meticulous approach to fitness over the years should work in his favour. "Mo has taken such good care of his body all these years that he will have the minimum time required to recover. Let's hope for the best," Slot added.

Still, the tone suggested genuine concern. "Another win and another injury. It's the story of our season," he lamented, before noting how telling it was that Salah—a player famed for his reluctance to exit the pitch—felt compelled to do so.

Meanwhile, speculation about Salah's next destination continues to swirl. Major League Soccer, Saudi Arabia, and Italy have all been mooted as potential options for the 32-year-old to continue his career.

Bjornebye, the former Liverpool defender now advising Rangers, revealed the Ibrox outfit had at least explored the possibility. Speaking on an Egyptian television channel, he said: "I don't know what Mo's plans are—we discussed it at work today as well, as I'm an advisor to Rangers. We discussed where he'll go and so on."

The ex-Reds man was quick to emphasise Salah's standing at Liverpool, however. "I think most people are grateful for what he's done for Liverpool. He is a true legend at Liverpool and has achieved a remarkable legacy for a great club. He has delivered exceptional results for them over many seasons."

Bjornebye also touched on last year's contract negotiations, which had generated considerable friction before being resolved. "There were some heated discussions about his situation last year, but the matter has been resolved and he has remained loyal to Liverpool," he said.

"I think most people can accept that he has given the club many great years and now wants to seize a new opportunity, perhaps embarking on another adventure."