Mohamed Salah confirmed his Liverpool departure on Tuesday, 24 March 2026. He delivered the news through an emotional video message on his social media accounts. Salah described the announcement as “the first part” of his farewell. Liverpool officials confirmed they had reached a mutual agreement with the forward to cut his contract by one year. Although his deal ran until 2027, he will now leave as a free agent at the end of this season.
Salah confirms Liverpool exit as Saudi Arabia and MLS look for him
The news sent shockwaves through football. Major outlets like talkSPORT, Sky Sports, and ESPN widely reported the exit. The timing surprised many because Salah only signed a two-year extension in April 2025. That deal followed his pivotal role in securing Liverpool’s record-equalling 20th league title.
His nine seasons at Anfield produced 255 goals in 435 appearances. This record places him third on Liverpool’s all-time scoring chart, trailing only Ian Rush and Roger Hunt. His trophy cabinet includes two Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup, two League Cups, the Club World Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup.
However, Salah’s final campaign tells a different story. A public falling-out with manager Arne Slot in December dampened the mood. Salah has managed just ten goals in 34 appearances this term. This friction has cast a shadow over his closing months at the club.
Attention now turns to his next move. Saudi Pro League clubs have intensified their interest. PIF-owned sides like Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal remain front-runners. San Diego FC in the MLS also represents a compelling option. British-Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Mansour owns the American club and has roster space for Salah as a Designated Player. Current reports suggest the MLS move is the most attractive choice for the Egyptian.
Was the Arne Slot fallout actually Liverpool’s quiet exit strategy?
Most commentators sidestep a specific angle here. Salah is the highest-paid player in Liverpool’s history. He earns between £350,000 and £400,000 per week. Freeing that wage commitment a year early offers a significant financial boost to the club.
The public clash in December now looks different in retrospect. At the time, Salah claimed the club were “throwing him under the bus.” This looks less like a random outburst and more like a managed exit strategy. The move seems to suit both parties commercially, even if the emotional sting remains for the fans.
The 33-year-old international turns 34 in June, but he still possesses genuine quality. His lower numbers this season likely reflect a difficult team environment rather than a permanent decline. Liverpool currently sits fifth in the league with a fractured dressing room. This atmosphere has suppressed the entire squad’s output.
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The real question is which version of Salah his next club will receive. Will they get the legendary goalscorer or a player whose confidence Liverpool slowly eroded over the last eighteen months? MLS makes the most structural sense, but Saudi Arabia offers the greatest financial rewards. Salah will likely choose his final chapter very carefully.
