Arne Slot and Liverpool will love how Mohamed Salah marked his 32nd birthday

Liverpool currently have 14 players away on international duty after Euro 2024 got underway on Friday - with the Copa America set to follow suit next week.

Consequently, they will be absent when Arne Slot’s first pre-season as the Reds’ new head coach gets underway at the start of July.

In contrast, the rest of his inherited squad are currently enjoying their summer holidays, with them not due to report back to the AXA Training Centre until next month. And that includes the rest of Liverpool’s internationals who have represented their countries since the club season finished, but had no summer tournament to look forward to.

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Mohamed Salah is one such player. The forward captained Egypt in their latest 2026 World Cup qualifiers, claiming an assist in their 2-1 victory over Burkina Faso before scoring a spectacular equaliser in their 1-1 draw with Guinea-Bissau.

Such results maintained the Pharaohs' unbeaten start to qualification, and left them top of their group after four games played. But with that second qualifier taking place last Monday, Salah’s 2023/24 season is now officially over.

In truth, it was a mixed campaign for the Liverpool star. Making 54 appearances in all competitions for club and country, he returned an impressive 32 goals and 18 assists.

However, his campaign was ultimately derailed by a hamstring injury suffered at the Africa Cup of Nations. Egypt would suffer a round-of-16 exit in his absence, while after missing 12 games for the Reds, including the League Cup final win over Chelsea, he struggled for form following his return to fitness. Jurgen Klopp’s side would soon see their own hopes of further silverware slip away in the process.

Salah only scored five times from open play for Liverpool following a brace against Newcastle United on New Year’s Day. Now on the wrong side of 30, out of contract next summer, and still attracting big-money interest from Saudi Arabia, his form in recent months has understandably prompted further questions about his long-term future at the club.

However, the Reds are keen to accelerate talks with Salah over extending his stay at Anfield, while they have no desire to allow him to depart this transfer window. Meanwhile, the Egyptian himself has already suggested on social media that he intends to remain with Liverpool next season.

As a result, as things stand, he either signs an extension or leaves on a free transfer when his current deal expires in 2025.

Salah has admittedly been in this situation before. He struggled for form after the Africa Cup of Nations during the second half of the 2021/22 season, as he headed towards the final 12 months of his contract. Yet, after signing an extension, that summer, he proceeded to make a mockery of any doubts by registering another 30-goal season despite the Reds’ own struggles in 2022/23.

While he might have a point to prove next season given his below-par finish to the recent campaign, and question marks regarding his future still hang overhead ahead of that 2025 contract expiry, you would not bet against him returning to his best again next season.

And, while currently free to enjoy his summer, it would appear he is inevitably determined to do exactly that.

Salah actually celebrates his 32nd birthday today, and has posted on his Instagram story to mark the occasion. Unsurprisingly, despite it being less than a week since his season finished, he is already back in the gym.

The forward shared a topless mirror selfie by the weights, accompanied by a number ‘32’. It appears not even his birthday is enough of an excuse to enjoy a day off in the summer holidays for Liverpool’s Egyptian King!

Also showing off his new shaven look, the Reds star was in pristine condition as ever. His six pack was on show, while he had buds in his ears to accompany his latest work-out.

Such a sight, which Slot will no doubt be impressed by ahead of linking up with the Egyptian for the first time, will perhaps offer a small reminder of the lengths Jordan Henderson went to last close-season to ensure he was in the best possible condition for the start of pre-season. While he would still end up leaving Liverpool for Al-Ettifaq in a shock £12m transfer, it’s worth noting his place in the team was not as secure as Salah’s remains.

When it comes to the latter's future, the question is currently will the Reds give the forward a new contract. But given how he has spent some of his latest birthday, showcasing his constant elite mentality and commitment in the process, Salah is continuing to put in the work which could well soon change such a query to why would Liverpool even risk the chance of letting him go.