Mohamed Salah officially announced on Tuesday what many Liverpool supporters had anticipated for months: he will be terminating his contract early and departing Anfield on a free transfer at the end of this season.
Salah renewed his contract with the Reds last summer for two years, but since then, issues including a dip in performance, a fall in his status within the team, a public outburst, and a strained relationship with head coach Arne Slot have limited his playing time significantly.
Despite the current challenges, Salah has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in Liverpool’s history since his arrival in 2017, and he will undoubtedly leave the club as a revered figure.
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The 33-year-old forward has netted 255 goals in 435 matches for Liverpool, placing him third on the club’s all-time scoring chart. He’s played a crucial role in two Premier League championships, domestic cups, and the UEFA Champions League title in the 2018-19 season.
He has also garnered numerous individual awards, including three PFA Players’ Player of the Year titles, two Premier League Player of the Season accolades, and four Premier League Golden Boots.
Salah received the prestigious Puskás Award during The Best FIFA Awards in 2018, a recognition that sparked debate globally about the validity of the award, especially considering his vast collection of other honors.
The forward was voted the Goal of the Year by fans for his stunning strike against Everton in December 2017, where he beautifully maneuvered around two defenders before finishing beyond the goalkeeper.
While the goal was indeed impressive, many were surprised that it was selected as the year’s most beautiful goal, especially when it wasn’t even close to being Salah’s top goal that season.
Teammate James Milner humorously recognized Salah’s achievement following the announcement, expressing congratulations on social media, and pointing out that it was not his finest moment among many that season.
“Congrats to Mo Salah on your 7th best goal from last season winning goal of the year,” Milner posted, including the hashtag “#oneofmanyworldies” along with emojis.
Many agree with Milner, as at least six of Salah’s goals from his outstanding 2017-18 season were more deserving of a place on the Puskás shortlist than the one against Everton. Regardless of individual preferences, this underscores Salah’s remarkable impact at Liverpool.
Salah scored a pair of goals in a 3-0 victory against Southampton, one of which was a spectacular strike from outside the box. The precise finish mirrored his goal against Everton, albeit from a greater distance.
2. Nov. 29, 2017 vs. Stoke City
In another commanding 3-0 win, Salah delivered the standout goal when he connected with a perfectly placed cross from Sadio Mané, unleashing a fierce volley past the goalkeeper. This strike earned the recognition of Goal of the Month from Liverpool fans.
In a thrilling 4-3 victory over Manchester City, Salah scored one of the key goals in a match that became a hallmark of the 2017-18 season. The scoring fluctuated from 1-1 to 4-1 in a mere nine minutes, with Salah’s audacious 35-yard lob proving decisive.
In another gripping encounter against Spurs that ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw, Salah netted the opener before a long-range equalizer from Victor Wanyama. Salah thought he had clinched the win with a goal in the 91st minute, dancing through a crowd of defenders and smashing it past Hugo Lloris, only to have Harry Kane equalize with a penalty in the 96th minute.
5. March 17, 2018 vs. Watford
Salah showcased his exceptional talent by scoring four goals (and assisting another) in a 5-0 demolition at Anfield, solidifying his reputation with a display of effortless skill. His first goal was solid, the second was slick, while the third was nearly ingenious as Salah maneuvered around multiple defenders to flick a clever finish past the keeper.
6. April 24, 2018 vs. AS Roma
In a stunning display against his former club in the first leg of the Champions League semifinal, Salah starred in Liverpool’s 5-2 rout, scoring a spectacular opening goal with a precise curl beyond the reach of future teammate Alisson Becker, adding another goal and providing assists for both the third and fourth goals of the night.