Souness Points Finger at Salah as Liverpool's Downfall; FSG Should Cash In, Says Legend

Graeme Souness has delivered a damning verdict on Mohamed Salah's contribution to Liverpool's mediocre campaign, naming the club's star forward as the principal reason behind their recent struggles.

Once the driving force that propelled Liverpool to their 20th league title last season, Salah has seen his output plummet dramatically this term. The veteran winger's form has deteriorated so sharply that Souness believes he has simply "fallen off a cliff" rather than experiencing a gradual decline—the sort of reckoning that typically arrives in a player's early thirties.

Speaking to The Daily Mail, the Liverpool legend recalled attending the Community Shield opener against Crystal Palace and immediately sensing something amiss with Salah's display. Though initially hopeful the Egyptian might require a handful of matches to find his rhythm, Souness has seen no such improvement materialise.

"His numbers tell you that. His numbers are way down, and he is the single biggest reason why Liverpool are having an indifferent season," Souness explained. He argues that when a squad is struggling, the elite performers must step up and galvanise their teammates—something Salah has failed to do this season, leaving supporters, management, and coaching staff disappointed.

The former Rangers manager was unequivocal when asked whether Salah should depart Anfield come summer, delivering a straightforward affirmative. In his assessment, Salah's peak years are definitively behind him. "The first person to know that is yourself, and it happens to everyone," Souness noted.

For six or seven years, Salah has been Liverpool's go-to figure—a player capable of turning matches on their head and delivering a staggering goal tally season after season. He remains a Liverpool great, Souness acknowledges, but the sparkle has undeniably dimmed. With his output nowhere near previous levels, a summer exit to the Saudi Pro League appears increasingly probable as the Reds contemplate finding a long-term successor.