ANFIELD, LIVERPOOL — The “Egyptian King” is preparing to bid farewell to his throne. On Tuesday, March 24, 2026, Mohamed Salah and Liverpool FC made it official: the legendary forward will depart at the end of the 2025–26 season. This announcement sent shockwaves through the football world, with Salah sharing a deeply personal video across his social media platforms titled “The First Part of My Farewell.”
This moment marks the conclusion of a nine-year journey that redefined success at Anfield.
A Mutual Decision for “Transparency”
Despite extending his contract in 2025, which was technically set to run until 2027, the 33-year-old reached an agreement with the club to bring his tenure to a close one year early. According to an official statement from Liverpool, Salah requested the early announcement to ensure “transparency” with supporters and prevent his departure from becoming a distraction during the club’s ongoing trophy pursuit.
“Leaving is never easy,” Salah expressed in his emotional video address. “I never imagined how deeply this club, this city, and these people would become part of my life. Liverpool is not just a football club; it’s a passion, a history, and a spirit.”
The Legacy of the “Egyptian King”
Since joining from AS Roma in 2017 for a then-modest £34 million, Salah has shattered records and solidified his status as one of the Premier League’s all-time greats. He leaves Anfield as one of the most decorated players in Liverpool history, a true icon of modern football.
Salah’s Liverpool Career by the Numbers:
- Appearances: 435
- Goals: 255 (3rd on Liverpool’s all-time list)
- Major Trophies: 2 Premier League Titles, 1 Champions League, 1 FA Cup, 2 League Cups, 1 Club World Cup.
- Individual Honors: 4 Premier League Golden Boots, 3 PFA Player of the Year awards.
While his relationship with manager Arne Slot saw some turbulence in 2025, including a well-publicized disagreement, Salah remains Liverpool’s talisman. His recent goal against Galatasaray played a pivotal role in securing the club’s place in the Champions League quarter-finals, proving his immense value even as his tenure nears its end.
Where to Next? The Global Race for Salah
With Salah set to leave as a free agent this summer, the race to secure his signature has officially begun. His agent, Ramy Abbas Issa, mentioned that “no one knows” where his client’s future lies, but several contenders have emerged:
- Saudi Pro League: Al Ittihad is among the frontrunners, with rumors swirling of a record-breaking offer for the Egyptian icon.
- Major League Soccer (MLS): Clubs like San Diego FC, along with established giants, are rumored to be preparing “Messi-style” offers for Salah.
- European Giants: Despite his 33 years, Salah’s remarkable fitness levels suggest he could still feature for a top-tier Champions League contender in Spain or Italy.
The Final Farewell
Liverpool fans will have a few more chances to see their hero in action before he departs. His final game at Anfield is scheduled for May 24, 2026, against Brentford. The club has promised a grand “celebration of his legacy” later in the year, but for now, the focus remains on Salah’s performances on the pitch.
As he concluded in his farewell video: “Because of all of you, I will never walk alone.”
