Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s talismanic forward, took to social media to call out a prominent fan account for what he deemed a disrespectful jab at former teammates Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez.
The incident, sparked by a post from Anfield Edition, a Liverpool fan platform with over 500,000 followers on X, celebrated the club’s blockbuster summer signings of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz while diminishing the contributions of Diaz and Nunez, who were instrumental in Liverpool’s 2024-25 Premier League triumph. Salah’s quoted with the comment: "How about we celebrate the great signings without disrespecting the PL champions?”
The Context: A Summer of Change at Anfield
Liverpool’s 2024-25 season was a historic one, culminating in a record-equalling 20th Premier League title under Arne Slot’s debut campaign as Jurgen Klopp’s successor. Central to this success were the dynamic contributions of Salah, Diaz, and Nunez, whose attacking prowess defined a season of flair and resilience. Diaz, with 17 goals across all competitions, including a crucial role in stretching defences, and Nunez, with a dramatic brace against Brentford, were pivotal in securing the championship.
Yet, the summer of 2025 saw seismic shifts at Anfield. Diaz moved to Bayern Munich for £65.5 million, while Nunez joined Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League for £53 million, making way for record-breaking signings Isak (£125 million from Newcastle) and Wirtz (£116 million from Bayer Leverkusen).
The fan account’s post, featuring grayscale images of Diaz and Nunez juxtaposed against vibrant photos of Isak and Wirtz with the caption “Name a bigger upgrade in footballing history,” struck a nerve.
How about we celebrate the great signings without disrespecting the PL champions? https://t.co/lRug6oFYCt
— Mohamed Salah (@MoSalah) September 3, 2025
Salah’s Leadership: A Deeper Significance
Salah’s intervention is notable not just for its defence of his former teammates but for what it reveals about his evolving role at Liverpool. At 33, the Egyptian King remains the club’s linchpin, having won the Golden Boot and been voted Players’ Player of the Season in 2024-25. His social media activity, though rare, carries weight—previously, he criticized UEFA for omitting details about the death of Palestinian footballer Suleiman Al-Obeid, showcasing his willingness to speak out on matters of principle. This time, his focus was internal, addressing a fanbase known for its passion but occasionally criticized for its quickness to move on from players.
Unlike other instances where players have clashed with fans (e.g., his 2024 touchline spat with Klopp over limited minutes), this moment underscores Salah’s loyalty to teammates who faced scrutiny during their tenure. Nunez, despite scoring only five Premier League goals last season, was a fan favourite for his work rate, while Diaz’s 41 goals in 148 appearances cemented his status as a key contributor. Salah’s public tributes to both players upon their departures—calling Nunez a resilient friend and praising Diaz’s strength through personal challenges—reflect a personal connection that fuelled his response.
A New Angle: The Culture of Fandom in Transition
What makes this incident unique is its reflection of a broader, underexplored tension in modern football fandom: the rush to embrace new signings at the expense of past contributors. Liverpool’s £446 million summer spend, including Isak and Wirtz, signals a bold new era under Slot, but Salah’s rebuke challenges fans to honour the club’s recent past. Salah’s direct engagement, bypassing traditional media, sets a precedent for players reclaiming control over their club’s story.
The Bigger Picture
As Liverpool prepare for their next match against Burnley on September 14, 2025, Salah’s words serve as a reminder of the values that define a champion: respect, unity, and gratitude. His defence of Diaz and Nunez, who helped secure a title against fierce competition, underscores the human element often lost in transfer hype.
For fans, it’s a call to celebrate Isak and Wirtz’s arrival without erasing the legacy of those who paved the way. For Salah, it’s a testament to his role not just as a goal-scorer but as a guardian of Liverpool’s spirit, ensuring the champions’ contributions are never forgotten.
