Mohamed Salah to leave Liverpool at the end of the season

Mohamed Salah to leave Liverpool at the end of the season

Mohamed Salah announced on Tuesday that he will depart Liverpool at the end of the season. The announcement, delivered via a video, comes as a surprise following a two-year contract the Egyptian signed in April 2025. That renewal followed the most successful individual season of his career with the Reds, during which he secured a Premier League title, the division's Golden Boot, and the Premier League Player of the Season trophy.

However, the relationship between the 33-year-old winger and the club deteriorated during Liverpool's weak title defense. Salah has struggled with form, suffering declines in his shooting, passing, and decision-making. These performances led manager Arne Slot to exclude Salah from the first team for three consecutive matches.

Following a 3-3 draw with Leeds United, Salah aired his frustrations to the press, claiming that the club had thrown me under the bus and suggesting that someone doesn't want me in the club. He noted that while he previously maintained a good relationship with the manager, that connection had suddenly vanished.

Despite the tension, Arne Slot suggested Salah still had a place in his plans before a match against Brighton & Hove Albion. When asked if he wanted the player to stay, the 47-year-old manager responded, I have no reasons not to want him to stay, noting the club had won many games with him. Salah was subsequently included in the squad for the Brighton match, which the player hinted could be his final appearance for the club before departing for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Global Transfer Interest

As Salah's exit nears, several leagues are competing for his signature. Major League Soccer (MLS) has emerged as a potential destination, with Don Garber, the MLS Commissioner, publicly vouching for the Egyptian. Speaking at the SBJ Business of Soccer event in Atlanta, Garber stated:

"I couldn’t say that until he announced that he was leaving Liverpool. But what a great player he would be in MLS. And I think we would provide him with a great platform."

Don Garber, MLS Commissioner, via Fox Sports

Garber later told the press via Sports Illustrated that the league would welcome Salah with open arms, suggesting he reach out to Thomas Müller and Lionel Messi to see how they have embraced the league. While San Diego FC—owned by British-Egyptian Mohamed Mansour—and New York City FC have been linked to the player, The Athletic reports that moves to San Diego and Chicago Fire seem unlikely. Inter Miami has also been mentioned as a suitor.

Significant financial barriers remain for an MLS move. According to Spotrac, Salah earns $20 million a year at Liverpool. For context, ESPN reports that only Lionel Messi earns that amount in MLS, while Heung-min Son, the second-highest-paid player, earns $11.2 million annually. Additionally, the highest transfer fee paid by an MLS side is a reported $26 million for Son by LAFC, a figure likely far below what Liverpool would demand.

Saudi and European Alternatives

The Saudi Pro League appears a more probable destination. Al-Ittihad previously offered nearly $200 million for Salah in 2023, a bid Liverpool rejected. Al-Ittihad is reportedly seeking a new star following the departure of Karim Benzema last month. Al-Ahli is also said to be aggressively targeting Salah as a replacement for Riyad Mahrez, while Al Qadsiah, which recently moved to a 47,000-seater stadium, is in contention.

Salah has previously admitted his interest in the region. He told the Egyptian TV channel On Sport, via Reuters, that negotiations with SPL officials were serious and that a move would have happened if he had not renewed with Liverpool.

European options remain on the table. In Italy, a romantic return to AS Roma has been floated by the Italian press, with reports from The Guardian and La Repubblica suggesting Salah has considered the move, though his salary expectations remain a hurdle. Other Serie A clubs mentioned include Inter Milan, Napoli, and Juventus.

Ramy Abbas, Salah's representative, has urged caution on X, stating he does not know where the player will be next season and warning fans against rumors. Abbas specifically dismissed claims linking the forward to Turkish club Fenerbahçe.

World Cup Focus

The timeline for a final decision is tied to international duty. Salah is currently focused on Egypt's 2026 World Cup campaign, where the team is placed in Group G alongside Iran, New Zealand, and Belgium. According to reports from July 3, 2026, Salah had mutually agreed to end his Liverpool contract a year early, making him a free agent.

After Egypt's run in the World Cup concludes, the race for his signature is expected to accelerate. The Egyptian international will then make a final decision on whether to join the Saudi Pro League, move to the United States, or remain in Europe.