Mohamed Salah Set to Exit Liverpool Amid Contract Drama

Jaco Pieterse

Mar 26 2026

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Here’s the thing that no one expected quite so soon. Mohamed Salah, forward has confirmed he is leaving Liverpool Football Club at the end of the 2025/26 season. The Egyptian star will walk away from Anfield after nine years, ending a deal that was supposed to keep him around until 2027. Liverpool made the official announcement on Tuesday evening, though sources suggest this decision follows months of behind-the-scenes friction.

The timing is odd, considering he signed a two-year extension in April 2025. That agreement was meant to cement his status as a permanent fixture at the club. Instead, we're watching the curtain fall earlier than planned. “Mohamed Salah is to bring the curtain down on his illustrious career with Liverpool Football Club,” the club statement read. They added that a full celebration of his legacy would follow later in the year when he bids farewell.

A Complicated Final Chapter

Salah's final campaign has been far from the triumph fans were hoping for. Sources indicate the forward managed only 10 goals in 34 appearances this season. Compare that to his usual standards, and the drop-off is stark. Turned out, the internal environment wasn’t exactly smooth sailing either. There were reports of a public falling out with manager Arne Slot, manager back in December 2025.

These tensions seem to have accelerated his exit plans. Despite being dropped during parts of the campaign and dealing with reduced playing time, Salah maintained his profile globally. But at the club level, the relationship had clearly frayed. This marks a significant shift from the high-octane energy that defined his early years at the stadium.

The Stats Don’t Lie

Even with a tough finish, look at the numbers Salah leaves behind. He departs as the third-highest scorer in the club’s history, having accumulated 255 goals in 435 appearances. That kind of efficiency puts him right up there with the legends. During his tenure, he helped secure two Premier League titles and the Champions League. On top of those trophies, he collected four Premier League Golden Boots and won the PFA Player of the Year award for a record third time in August 2025.

He originally joined from AS Roma in June 2017, transforming from a prospect into a global icon. His impact extended beyond the pitch; ticket sales and jersey revenue surged whenever his name was attached to the club. This departure means losing a massive piece of that commercial engine.

Where Does He Go From Here?

Speculation has been swirling for weeks about where his next chapter begins. Most reports point toward the Saudi Pro League. In January 2025, it was reported that investors were offering Salah approximately $85 million over two years. When speaking to Sky Sports earlier that year, Salah expressed uncertainty about his future, noting, “Into the last six months, there is no progress there.”

Now, with the contract situation clarified, the door seems open again. Even if he isn’t signing immediately, the trajectory suggests a move abroad. The Saudi league has been aggressively targeting top European talent, and Salah remains their prime target. It would be the natural next step for a player of his stature looking to enjoy his remaining competitive years without the grueling travel demands of Europe.

What Remains at Anfield

What Remains at Anfield

Losing Salah changes the dynamic entirely. His leadership in the dressing room, particularly regarding training intensity and nutrition, set the standard for younger players. While the manager can try to replace the goals, the intangible qualities are harder to replicate. The club stated they wanted to provide transparency to supporters ASAP. By moving quickly, they control the narrative before speculation spirals out of hand.

Fans are likely mixed on how this feels. Pride in what he achieved wars with disappointment that he is leaving sooner than the contract suggested. The farewell event planned for later in 2026 aims to honor the relationship properly, regardless of recent disagreements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Salah leave early from his contract?

Although Salah signed a contract extension in April 2025, internal tensions with manager Arne Slot and a decline in performance statistics played a role. A public disagreement in December 2025 highlighted a rift that ultimately led to the mutual decision to depart a year early rather than completing the full term.

How many goals did Mohamed Salah score for Liverpool?

Salah scored a total of 255 goals in 435 appearances for the club across all competitions. This places him third on Liverpool’s all-time goalscorer list, a remarkable achievement spanning his nine-year tenure since joining from Roma in 2017.

Is Salah moving to Saudi Arabia?

While no destination has been officially confirmed yet, strong links to the Saudi Pro League remain. Reports from January 2025 indicated offers reaching $85 million, suggesting a potential switch is imminent once his current season concludes in 2026.

What honors did he win during his stay?

His achievements include two Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, and four Premier League Golden Boots. Notably, he also secured the prestigious PFA Player of the Year award three times, winning the most recent accolade in August 2025.