It's over. Mohamed Salah has officially announced he will leave Liverpool Football Club at the end of the 2025-26 season. The 33-year-old Egyptian forward released a heartfelt video on Instagram this past Wednesday, bringing an end to nine defining years at Anfield. Fans are reeling, and the club confirmed the news on Tuesday evening, stating that "the time to fully celebrate his legacy" will come later in the year. For everyone watching, this isn't just a transfer; it's the closing of an era.
A Formal Goodbye at Anfield
The announcement came after weeks of speculation. Rumors had swirled constantly about a potential move to the Saudi Pro League, but nothing was concrete until Salah took matters into his own hands. He said in his message, "Unfortunately, the day has come." It was personal. He described the club as "not just a football club, it's a passion, it's a history, it's a spirit." That sentiment resonates because he hasn't just played there; he lived there. Liverpool wants him to finish the campaign before formally bidding farewell. The plan is to let supporters say goodbye properly, rather than just trading papers quietly.
Here's the twist regarding his contract. Back in April 2025, Salah signed a two-year extension. Now, he's agreed to cut it short by a year. Why? Leaving as a free agent changes everything financially. If a club signs him now, they won't pay a transfer fee to Liverpool. Instead, they hand out what amounts to an extraordinary personal package. It's a smarter move for both parties. No fees mean less red tape, more certainty.
Numbers Don't Lie
You can't talk about Salah without hitting the stats. They're staggering. In his nine seasons at the club, he scored 255 goals in 435 appearances. That makes him the third-highest scorer in the club's entire history. Only two players have ever done better. He's also racked up four Premier League Golden Boots. Think about that consistency for a moment. In the Premier League alone, he has 284 goal contributions. To put that in perspective, only Wayne Rooney (311) and Alan Shearer (324) have more. Most recently, he secured the PFA Player of the Year award in August 2025, winning it for a record third time. These aren't just numbers; they're proof of longevity.
During his tenure, the trophy cabinet looks full. Two Premier League titles. The Champions League. The FIFA Club World Cup. The UEFA Super Cup. He's won the FA Cup, two League Cups, and the Community Shield. Eight major honors. Yet, even legends struggle sometimes.
Navigating the Rough Patch
This current 2025-26 campaign has been tough. It's not the usual magic we've seen. Salah has managed only 10 goals and 9 assists in 34 appearances across all competitions. Compare that to last season, where he tied the Premier League single-season record for goal involvements with 47. The drop-off is noticeable. In December 2025, he was briefly dropped from the team. Things got heated then. He claimed on social media that the club had "thrown him under the bus." That kind of public friction is rare. Usually, managers and stars work things out behind closed doors.
But he's back now. He's returned to the fold, though the relationship feels different. Agent Ramy Abbas Issa posted in response to the departure news: "We do not know where Mohamed will play next season. This also means that no one else knows." So, no confirmed destination yet. Some expect the Middle East again, but nothing is signed. The lack of a transfer fee removes pressure, giving him time to choose wisely. It's a massive decision. Going where you fit best, not just where the money is highest.
The Legacy Continues
Salah originally joined from AS Roma in the summer of 2017. He quickly became a defining figure at Anfield. Even with the rough patches this season, his overall contribution to the club's return to prominence under the current management era cannot be overstated. Liverpool stated the announcement allows for transparency, ending the guessing games for supporters. A full celebration of his legacy is expected later in the year when he formally bids farewell to Anfield. The motto still rings true, even now. "You'll Never Walk Alone."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will Mohamed Salah play next?
His destination remains unknown. According to his agent Ramy Abbas Issa, neither the player nor the club knows where he will go next season. While Saudi Pro League clubs have been linked due to previous interest, he is now a free agent which opens doors globally.
Why is Salah leaving as a free agent?
Salah agreed to cut his contract short by one year after signing a two-year extension in April 2025. By leaving as a free agent, he avoids a transfer fee payment, allowing interested clubs to focus on wages and bonuses instead of buyout costs.
How does his goal tally compare to Liverpool legends?
With 255 goals in 435 appearances, Salah is the club's third-highest scorer in history. He ranks just behind Roger Hunt and Ian Callaghan historically, though current records show him trailing only two other active or retired players depending on the specific metric used.
Will Salah complete the 2025-26 season?
Yes, he confirmed he will finish the remainder of the campaign. Liverpool intends for him to play through the season so supporters can witness a proper send-off before his contract expires officially at the season's end.