Mohamed Salah spent nine years at Liverpool (Image: Stan Sport)
Liverpool will be casting their eyes towards a frantic summer now that the 2025/2026 season has drawn to a close. Many feel that significant transfer activity is required if Arne Slot and his squad are to mount a genuine title challenge next campaign. The Reds’ defence of their 20th top-flight crown fizzled out disappointingly last season as Arsenal and Manchester City battled it out at the summit.
The Gunners ultimately clinched their first championship in 22 years, leaving Liverpool with considerable ground to make up if they are to wrest the title away from Mikel Arteta’s champions. However, should they hold ambitions of mounting a challenge, they’ll need to do so without Mohamed Salah, who has played his final match for the club.
Today’s Liverpool news sees Salah deliver a farewell message to Slot, while a Reds icon has offered a gloomy forecast about next season that supporters will be desperate not to hear.
Michael Owen makes prediction
Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen does not believe Liverpool will be able to challenge Arsenal for the title next season. Owen, who netted 158 goals for the Reds, feels both Manchester United and City stand a stronger chance of toppling Arteta’s side.
“I think a challenge next season is only going to come from Manchester,” the former England striker told Metro. “I think Man City will be strong. They ran Arsenal very close this season and have a good group of young players who have shown will be in a title race next season and with two domestic cups, they will come back stronger.
“And it’s been a while but Manchester United can be a title contender under Michael Carrick. You look at their form since he arrived and it’s definitely one of a title contender. Liverpool will hope to challenge, but they need to get everything right to do so and I’m not sure they are there just yet.”
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Former Liverpool forward Michael Owen has sent a warning to Arne Slot (Image: Getty Images)
Salah’s farewell message surfaces
Salah has called on Slot, owners FSG and Liverpool to return to winning ways in a message that some may believe is a parting shot at the head coach. The winger, alongside departing Andy Robertson, was presented with gifts by the club to commemorate their nine years at Liverpool, as the squad trained ahead of the Brentford fixture.
Salah, who sparked controversy with a social media post just under a fortnight ago regarding Liverpool’s underwhelming form this season, drove home his message in person to his team-mates and the club’s coaching staff, Slot included.
“Wait, one more thing I want to say,” Salah said in front of the Liverpool squad. “Being Liverpool, to win something for Liverpool and win games, it’s the best thing that could happen to you.
“I think it’s the best club in the world when you win something – and the worst club in the world when you lose. So you better win next year.
“I don’t want to be emotional today, because tomorrow’s going to be an emotional day. But I have really appreciated every moment I’ve had at this club, I had a great time with all of you, and it’s something I will take in the future. So thank you very much and hopefully I will see you soon again.”