Football icon Wayne Rooney has criticized Egyptian international Mohamed Salah. Rooney suggests Salah is harming his own reputation at Liverpool.

This comes after Salah publicly claimed he was “thrown under the bus” by the club. His remarks followed Liverpool’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Leeds United.

Salah was notably benched for that game. He also stated his relationship with head coach Arne Slot had deteriorated. This has fueled widespread speculation regarding his future at Anfield.

Rooney’s Stern Warning to Slot and Salah

Speaking on his popular podcast, Rooney urged Slot to demonstrate strong leadership. He advised the coach to remove Salah from the squad for upcoming fixtures. These include Tuesday’s Champions League match against Inter Milan and the home game versus Brighton.

“Arne Slot must show his authority,” Rooney asserted. “He should pull Salah aside and tell him, ‘What you said is unacceptable. You are not traveling with the team.'”

Rooney continued, “Let everything calm down. He can then go to AFCON. If I were the coach, there would be no way he would be in the team.”

Rooney went further, indicating Salah faces a critical decision. He must either resolve his issues with Slot or prepare to depart. This is the club where he has become a modern legend.

“The situation needs to be sorted out quickly, either way,” Rooney emphasized.

Salah’s Challenging Season and Transfer Speculation

Salah signed a two-year contract extension in April. However, he has experienced a difficult start to the current season. He has only scored five goals in nineteen appearances. Being left out of the starting lineup for three consecutive matches has intensified his frustration.

His recent remarks have already garnered significant interest from abroad. Reports in England suggest Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal is ready to make a move in January. They reportedly believe they can tempt Liverpool into a cut-price deal for the 33-year-old. Salah boasts an impressive record of 250 goals in 420 appearances for Liverpool.

Al Hilal, now under the management of Simone Inzaghi, is expected to face competition. Other clubs in Europe might also bid. GiveMeSport reports that MLS side San Diego is exploring a potential offer. This comes as they prepare for their entry into the league.

According to BBC Sport, Liverpool is keeping an open mind regarding Salah’s future. This is ahead of the upcoming January transfer window. The forward is also reportedly open to embracing a new challenge.