Salah tipped for Liverpool return under Iraola — Sportopod
Salah tipped for Liverpool return under Iraola
Michael Owen sees a clear path for the forward to reverse his March exit as Liverpool reshuffle under new boss Andoni Iraola. Fresh signings and system fit fuel the speculation.
Mohamed Salah could reverse his March departure from Liverpool and rejoin the club this summer, according to Michael Owen. The former Liverpool striker believes the arrival of new manager Andoni Iraola increases the chances of a dramatic U-turn. Salah announced his exit from Liverpool in March, ending a seven-year spell that yielded 200 goals and 11 trophies.
His departure left a significant void in attack, and the club moved quickly to replace him, appointing Iraola in late June after sacking Arne Slot. Liverpool have since made two summer signings: Victor Munoz from Porto for a reported £45m, and a reported £50m bid for Yan Diomande of Lorient, signaling intent to refresh the squad under Iraola’s project. Owen, now a pundit for TNT Sports, argued on air that Salah’s profile still fits Liverpool’s style under Iraola, who favors high-intensity pressing and vertical transitions.
“He’s a world-class finisher who thrives in transition,” Owen said. ” The club has not commented publicly on any potential move, but the timing of Owen’s remarks—amid ongoing transfer activity—has amplified speculation. The timing of Salah’s potential return aligns with Iraola’s broader rebuild.
The new manager’s preference for vertical, counter-pressing football mirrors the style that made Salah a phenomenon at Anfield between 2017 and 2024. While Liverpool’s summer signings—Munoz and Diomande—are attacking options, neither carries the same proven Premier League pedigree as Salah. Munoz, 22, arrives from Porto with 14 goals in 45 appearances but lacks top-flight experience, while Diomande, 21, is raw despite his Ligue 1 promise.
Owen’s endorsement underscores a tactical reality: Liverpool need a goalscorer who can operate in Iraola’s system without a prolonged adjustment period. Financially, a Salah return would reset Liverpool’s commercial narrative after a turbulent season. The club’s commercial revenue dipped in 2023-24 amid fan protests and ownership uncertainty, but Salah’s global brand—ranked among the top five most marketable footballers—could stabilize sponsorships and merchandise sales.
His presence would also ease the burden on new signings to deliver immediately, reducing the risk of early-season teething issues. Beyond the on-field impact, a Salah return would send a psychological signal to the Premier League. Liverpool’s 2023-24 campaign collapsed under Slot, with fan unrest peaking after a 5-0 defeat to Aston Villa in April.
The club’s hierarchy, already under scrutiny for commercial underperformance, faces pressure to deliver a statement of intent. A Salah reunion would reaffirm Liverpool’s ambition and disrupt the title race narrative, forcing Manchester City and Arsenal to recalibrate their own summer plans. The move would also test the loyalty of Salah’s Saudi club, Al-Ittihad, which acquired him for a reported £40m in February—though their own season starts later in the summer.
The logistical hurdles are significant. Salah’s contract with Al-Ittihad runs until 2026, and his move to Saudi Arabia was framed as a long-term project. However, reports from the Middle East suggest his adaptation to life in the Pro League has been slower than anticipated, with limited goals and assists in pre-season friendlies.
If Al-Ittihad are open to a cut-price return, Liverpool could structure a deal that includes add-ons or sell-on clauses to mitigate risk. The Premier League’s profit-and-loss rules would also allow Liverpool to spread the amortized cost over the length of a new contract, making the financials more palatable. What’s next: Liverpool’s pre-season tour begins on July 13 in Singapore, where Iraola will have his first chance to integrate new signings and assess the squad.
Any Salah developments are likely to surface after that window, with the transfer window closing on August 31. If Salah does return, it would mark one of the most dramatic reversals in Premier League history. Read at GNews.io
Why this matters
Salah’s potential return would instantly elevate Liverpool’s title credentials, transforming them from mid-table hopefuls to genuine contenders. His goalscoring record—200 in 334 games for the club—proves he can deliver in big moments, while his profile aligns with Iraola’s high-tempo system. Financially, a reunion could also stabilize Liverpool’s commercial outlook after a turbulent season. The move would also send a message to rivals that Liverpool are willing to make bold, unexpected decisions to regain their elite status, further unsettling a Premier League title race that already looks unpredictable. The psychological edge of a Salah return—both for Liverpool’s fanbase and the squad—could outweigh the financial and logistical costs, making it a high-risk, high-reward play for Iraola’s first season in charge.
Frequently asked
Has Mohamed Salah officially left Liverpool?
Yes. He announced his departure in March and has not returned to training since. His contract ran until 2025, but he is no longer part of Liverpool’s first-team plans.
Who replaced Arne Slot as Liverpool manager?
Andoni Iraola took over on June 21, 2024, after Slot was sacked following a poor end to the 2023-24 season. Iraola arrived from Bournemouth with a reputation for high-pressing football.
What new players has Liverpool signed this summer?
Liverpool have signed Victor Munoz from Porto for £45m and made a £50m bid for Lorient’s Yan Diomande. Both deals are subject to medicals and personal terms.
Why does Michael Owen think Salah could return?
Owen cited Salah’s fit with Iraola’s system, his world-class finishing, and the club’s need for a proven goal threat. He also pointed to the emotional connection between Salah and the Anfield faithful.
When does the transfer window close?
The summer transfer window shuts on August 31, 2024, at 11pm BST. Any Salah move would need to be completed before then.
How would Salah’s return impact Liverpool’s wage structure?
Salah’s reported £200,000-a-week wage at Liverpool would likely be reduced given his market value decline since leaving for Saudi Arabia. The savings could help fund other positions in Iraola’s squad.
