Mohamed Salah will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season on a free transfer.
The Egyptian star revealed his departure in an emotional statement to fans on Tuesday.
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The 33-year-old signed a two-year deal just before the end of last season, however, he will not see out the remaining year of the contract.
eSPORTY understands Salah has agreed to ‘amend’ the last year of his £20m-a-year contract to be allowed to leave for free in a similar settlement to the termination of former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp’s contract in 2024.
It’s understood the exit talks began before the start of the Africa Cup of Nations in late December.
A public falling out with Reds head coach Arne Slot may have accelerated his departure although it’s previously been suggested by the Dutchman that that matter is closed.
Following a draw at Leeds United in December, Salah accused Slot of wanting him out of the club and that the two had no relationship in a shock outburst.
It remains to be seen where Salah will be going but eSPORTY understands a move to Saudi club Al Ittihad or Major League Soccer are options for him.
Addressing the speculation over his future, Salah’s agent Ramy Abbas Issa said: “We do not know where Mohamed will play next season. This also means that no one else knows. Beware of the click-wh**ing attention seekers.”
And despite the potentially sour end to his Liverpool career, the player undoubtedly leaves as a certified club legend.
Arriving from Roma in the summer of 2017, Salah has been a key component in restoring glory to Liverpool.
Salah has won the Premier League twice, the Champions League, two Carabao Cups and the FA Cup during his time at Liverpool.
Salah statement
He also won the Community Shield, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup with the Merseysiders and numerous personal accolades including a record three PFA Player of the Year awards and four Premier League Golden Boots.
“Unfortunately the day has come. This is the first part of my farewell,” Salah said in a video posted on Tuesday evening.
“I will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.
“I never imagined how deeply this club, this city, these people would become part of my life. Liverpool is not just a football club. It’s a passion. It’s a history. It’s a spirit.
“I can’t explain it in words to anyone not part of this club. We celebrated victory. We won the most important trophies and we fought together through the hardest time in our life.
“I want to thank everyone who was part of this club throughout my time here, especially the teammates, past and present.
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“And to the fans, I don’t have enough words. The support you showed me, through the best time of my career, and you stood by me in the toughest times. It’s something I will never forget, and something I will take with me always.
“Leaving is never easy. You gave me the best time of my life, I will always be one of you, this club will always be my home, to me and to my family.
“Thank you for everything. Because of all of you, I will never walk alone.”
Liverpool statement
The club said shortly after Salah’s announcement: “Mohamed Salah is to bring the curtain down on his illustrious career with Liverpool FC at the end of the 2025/26 season.
“The forward has reached an agreement with the Reds that will see him close a remarkable nine-year chapter at Anfield.
“Salah expressed his wish to make this announcement to the supporters at the earliest possible opportunity to provide transparency about his future due to his respect and gratitude for them.
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“Signed from AS Roma in the summer of 2017, the No.11 has firmly established himself as one of the greatest players in Liverpool’s history, helping the club to two Premier League titles, the Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FA Cup and two League Cups, as well as an FA Community Shield.
“His tally of 255 goals in 435 appearances to date has the Egyptian sitting third on the Reds’ all-time leading goalscorers chart, winning the Premier League Golden Boot on four occasions in addition to a host of personal accolades.
“With plenty still left to play for this season, Salah is firmly focused on trying to achieve the best possible finish to the campaign for Liverpool and, therefore, the time to fully celebrate his legacy and achievements will follow later in the year when he bids farewell to Anfield.”
Teammates pay tribute
Unsurprisingly, a number of Salah’s current and former teammates have come out in force to hail the player following his announcement.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk commented a heart and applauding emoji with ex-Reds right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold commenting a heart emoji on the post.
“The greatest,” Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson said.
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“Legend,” Reds midfielder Ryan Gravenberch said.
Salah’s final season at the club has been one of struggle having only scored ten goals in all competitions so far.
Liverpool have endured a frustrating campaign, losing ten league games this term in what has seen them feebly defend their title.
But Liverpool are still in the hunt to finish in the spots for Champions League qualification in the Premier League table and are through to the quarter-finals of both the Champions League and FA Cup.
What next? Fan verdict
eSPORTY’s Inside Liverpool panel were analysing the club’s plans for the summer transfer window hours before the Salah news broke.
After mentioning Salah was likely to depart, host Sam Ellard suggested the Reds need a total overhaul despite spending more than £400m last summer.
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He said: “If we’re going to have ambitions to go again and win the league next season, we’re going to need a centre-back, a left-back, a right-winger…
“We will need four or five new players to come into the starting XI. There is the Ibrahima Konate situation to think about as well…”
However, ex-Red Jermaine Pennant insisted the return of British record signing Alexander Isak from a broken leg will soften the blow.
“He will feel like a new signing,” Pennant said. “That injury at Spurs really hurt me.
“The goal he scored… that is Isak. Little sharp movements and fantastic finishes. That is what we paid the money for.
“I thought it was going to kickstart his Liverpool career, but then the injury happened. But he’s coming back.
“We’ve also got Giovanni Leoni coming back.”
