The shockwave hit Anfield this Tuesday when confirmation arrived that the Egyptian king is riding off into the sunset. Mohamed Salah, forward will leave the Merseyside giants at the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign. That means six months remain before he finally packs his bags, ending a nine-year chapter that felt eternal for millions of supporters worldwide.
Liverpool released the official notice late on March 25, 2026. It wasn't just a contractual notification; it was a formal farewell preview. The club stated that full celebrations honoring his legacy would happen later in the year when he bids adieu to the stands that cheered him on for thousands of evenings. Transparency was the driver here. With rampant rumors swirling about a potential departure to Asia, both parties agreed clarity was overdue.
A Decade of Dominance Defined
Looking back at his journey, the numbers tell a story most managers only dream of writing. Salah joined Liverpool Football Club from Roma ahead of the 2017-18 campaign. In his first Premier League season, he didn't just adapt; he exploded onto the scene with 32 goals and 10 assists. Over nearly a decade, he racked up 255 goals across 435 appearances. That consistency places him third on the club's all-time list, trailing only behind Ian Rush, club legend with 346 strikes and Roger Hunt with 285.
Trophy wise, the cabinet is crowded. He guided the Reds to their historic Premier League title in 2019-20, ending a thirty-year wait. Add another league crown in 2024-25, plus the European glory in 2019, and you have a career few touch. His recent accolades didn't fade either. He walked away as the reigning PFA Player of the Year last August, a record-breaking third win that signaled his peak hadn't fully passed until recently.
The Challenges of the Final Stretch
However, the road hasn't been purely smooth lately. The 2025-26 season proved testing. Early campaigns showed a dip in form that sent alarm bells ringing around Kop country. Manager Arne Slot even made the tough call to relegate the star to the bench during the middle stretch. It sparked debate across social media and pubs alike—was it time?
By January 2026, things stabilized. Salah returned to the starting XI, eventually managing 10 goals and nine assists in 34 matches so far. While those figures respectably fill the gap, they pale next to his previous seasons where he dominated every fixture. It's worth noting he had already signed a two-year extension last summer, yet neither side saw fit to push through the contract to its natural expiration. The agreement to walk away early seems mutually agreed upon.
Where Does the Story Go Next?
The immediate question on everyone's lips involves the destination. Transfer journalists suggest the Saudi Pro League remains the likely target. Reports from Fabrizio Romano indicate the decision to announce this publicly was partly to kill the speculation mill. Keeping secrets in the transfer window is nearly impossible these days.
"Leaving is never easy. You gave me the best time of my life. I will always be one of you,"
Salah wrote in his statement.
He emphasized winning major trophies and fighting through hard times. For the players coming through the academy, stepping into these boots is an intimidating prospect. The Premier League landscape shifts when such talent moves elsewhere. Whether he continues playing elsewhere or retires remains to be seen for the 2026-27 season, but his impact here will endure longer than any single jersey number.
Frequently Asked Questions
When exactly will Mohamed Salah leave Liverpool?
Salah is scheduled to depart immediately after the final match of the 2025-26 season concludes in June 2026. This gives him roughly three more months to play out his remaining fixtures before officially joining a new club.
Why did he decide to announce it now instead of waiting?
Both the player and club agreed to provide transparency due to intense rumors linking him to Saudi Arabia. Announcing early prevents distraction for the squad and respects the supporters who deserve clarity regarding his future plans.
Is there a replacement being considered?
While no official signing is named yet, Liverpool management will begin scouting replacements immediately. Losing such a prolific goal scorer requires significant investment in transfers or youth promotion to maintain competitiveness.
How does his current form compare to previous years?
His current output shows a decline compared to his peak seasons. With 10 goals in 34 games this term, he is scoring less frequently than during his title-winning campaigns, which may have influenced the timing of his exit decision.
Serena May
March 26, 2026 at 16:09
The stats indicate a clear downward trend in output lately. 😐