Mohamed Salah will leave Liverpool at the conclusion of the current season, as announced by the Premier League club on Tuesday. His departure ends a remarkable nine-year tenure at Anfield, solidifying his status as one of the club’s all-time greats.
Liverpool confirmed that the 33-year-old Salah has “reached an agreement” to exit the team a year before his contract expiration.
According to ESPN sources, this agreement allows Salah to leave on a free transfer.
“Mohamed Salah will conclude his illustrious journey with Liverpool Football Club at the end of the 2025-26 season,” Liverpool stated in their announcement.
“The forward has agreed with the Reds to end a remarkable nine-year chapter at Anfield,” they continued. “Salah expressed his desire to share this news with supporters as early as possible, showing his respect and appreciation for them.”
The Egyptian winger’s impressive tally of 255 goals in 435 matches positions him third on Liverpool’s all-time scoring list, trailing only Ian Rush (346) and Roger Hunt (285). He ranks fourth among all-time Premier League goal scorers with 191 goals.
Since joining Liverpool from Roma in 2017, Salah has played a crucial role in securing eight major titles for the club, including two Premier League championships and a Champions League trophy.
“I would like to start by saying that I never anticipated how profoundly this club, this city, and its people would become part of my life,” Salah said in a video highlighting his Liverpool career, shared on X.
“Liverpool is more than just a football club. It embodies passion, history, and spirit – things that are hard to convey to anyone outside this club. We celebrated victories, claimed significant trophies, and supported each other through challenging times. I thank everyone who has been part of this club during my tenure, especially my current and former teammates.”
“To the fans, my words cannot capture my gratitude. Your unwavering support during the peak of my career and the toughest moments is something I will always remember.”
“Parting ways is never easy. You all gave me the most incredible experiences of my life. I will always be one of you; Liverpool will forever be my home for me and my family.”
Salah signed a two-year extension last April, which was meant to keep him at the club until the end of the 2026-27 season, following a standout performance that helped secure Liverpool’s record-tying 20th English league title.
However, his performance this season has dropped, leading to him being benched for three consecutive matches late last year. Later, he gave a candid interview to the press, claiming the club had thrown him “under the bus” amid disappointing results.
Salah also expressed a lack of rapport with manager Arne Slot and raised doubts about his future at the club leading up to the January transfer window. Consequently, he was omitted from the squad for a Champions League match against Inter Milan.
Although Salah rejoined the team after the Africa Cup of Nations, he has struggled to regain the form that made him the top scorer in the Premier League for four seasons.
After the international break, Liverpool’s next matches include an FA Cup quarterfinal against Manchester City and a Champions League matchup with Paris Saint-Germain.
With seven Premier League matches remaining, the team is working hard to secure a spot in next year’s Champions League.
“With a lot still at stake this season, Salah is firmly focused on helping Liverpool finish the campaign on a high note,” the club stated. “The celebration of his legacy and accomplishments will be saved for later in the year when he bids farewell to Anfield.”
Contributions to this report come from ESPN’s Beth Lindop, The Associated Press, and PA.