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Van der Vaart Urges Summer Salah Exit as Liverpool Weigh Succession Plans

Rafael van der Vaart's comments have intensified debate over Liverpool's summer strategy.

Overview

  • Rafael van der Vaart told Sky Bet it could be best for both sides if Mohamed Salah leaves in the summer, arguing the 33-year-old has lost a vital burst of pace.
  • He also urged Liverpool to keep Arne Slot, insisting the head coach is capable of turning results around despite recent struggles.
  • Salah’s role has been questioned since December, when repeated benchings under Slot led to a public dispute and his omission from the Inter Milan trip before talks paved his return.
  • Saudi Pro League interest continues to be reported, and despite Salah’s deal running to 2027, Liverpool are widely discussed as planning for various summer outcomes.
  • Former striker Emile Heskey floated replacement options led by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, with Jarrod Bowen and Christian Pulisic also named, as scrutiny of a wider squad refresh grows following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s difficult start at Real Madrid.