Wayne Rooney has made a startling claim regarding Liverpool's star forward, Mohamed Salah, suggesting that the twilight of the Egyptian's career may be closer than many anticipate. The former Manchester United legend didn't mince words when assessing Salah's recent performances and overall situation at Anfield.

Rooney's comments come amidst a backdrop of speculation surrounding Salah's future with Liverpool, fueled by a reported fallout with manager Arne Slot and rumors of interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League. While Salah and Slot have reportedly reconciled after Salah's public outburst in December where he felt "thrown under the bus," the long-term outlook remains uncertain.

"He's absolutely destroying his legacy," Rooney stated, referencing Salah's behavior and perceived discontent. He highlighted the significant legacy Salah has built at Liverpool, including two Premier League titles and a Champions League victory in 2019. Rooney expressed his disappointment at seeing Salah potentially tarnish that legacy. "It would be sad for him to throw it all away," he added, disapproving of how Salah has handled being benched and his general demeanor.

Rooney didn't hold back in his criticism of Salah's recent conduct, particularly following Liverpool's 3-3 draw with Leeds. Salah's explosive interview after the match, where he claimed to have been "thrown under the bus" and hinted at a broken relationship with Slot, drew Rooney's ire. Rooney believes that Salah's actions have been disrespectful to his teammates, the manager, and the Liverpool fans. He also suggested that Salah's negativity could create a toxic environment within the team, especially for new players.

Adding fuel to the fire, Rooney questioned Salah's work ethic, especially during Liverpool's slump earlier in the season. He pointed out instances where Salah's defensive contributions were lacking, suggesting that the Egyptian needs to adapt his game when the team is struggling.

Despite the criticism, Salah recently achieved a couple of Premier League records, demonstrating his continued ability to perform at a high level. In Liverpool's 4-1 win against Newcastle United, Salah became the first player in Premier League history to record double figures in both goals and assists against a single opponent. He also surpassed Thierry Henry and Rooney himself for the most Premier League goal involvements at one stadium, amassing 107 goals and 45 assists at Anfield.

However, these achievements haven't silenced the speculation about Salah's future. With his contract situation and the lure of the Saudi Pro League, the possibility of Salah leaving Liverpool remains a talking point. Several Saudi clubs are reportedly interested in signing Salah and have him on a list of potential targets for the upcoming transfer window.

While some believe that Salah's legacy is already cemented and won't be affected by recent events, others echo Rooney's concerns that he risks damaging his reputation at Liverpool. Only time will tell if Salah can regain his form and mend fences, or if we are indeed witnessing the beginning of the end for his time at Anfield. Liverpool's next match is against Manchester City on February 8, 2026, and all eyes will be on Salah's performance and demeanor.