The news every Liverpool supporter dreaded has finally arrived. Mohamed Salah will walk onto Anfield for the final time at the end of this season, bringing the curtain down on one of the most breathtaking careers the famous old stadium has ever witnessed.
Liverpool confirmed on Tuesday evening that an agreement has been reached with their Egyptian talisman to terminate his contract a year early, with Salah set to depart when the 2025-26 campaign concludes. The forward’s deal was originally set to run until 2027, but both parties have mutually agreed to part ways this summer.
In a move that underscores the respect between player and club, Salah personally requested the announcement be made now rather than later, wanting to offer supporters complete transparency about his future during what remains a crucial period of the season.
“Mohamed Salah is to bring the curtain down on his illustrious career with Liverpool FC at the end of the 2025-26 season,” the club confirmed in an official statement.
“The forward has reached an agreement with the Reds that will see him close a remarkable nine-year chapter at Anfield.
“Salah expressed his wish to make this announcement to the supporters at the earliest possible opportunity to provide transparency about his future due to his respect and gratitude for them.”
A legacy written in gold
The numbers alone tell a story of staggering brilliance. Since arriving from AS Roma for what now looks like an absolute steal in the summer of 2017, Salah has plundered 255 goals in 435 appearances, figures that have propelled him to third on Liverpool’s all-time leading goalscorers chart.
But statistics, no matter how extraordinary, only scratch the surface of what the Egyptian has meant to this football club.
Two Premier League titles. A sixth European Cup. The FIFA Club World Cup. UEFA Super Cup. An FA Cup. Two League Cups. An FA Community Shield. That’s seven major honours, a trophy haul that cements Salah’s place in the pantheon of Anfield greats alongside Dalglish, Rush, Gerrard, and Souness.
Individual accolades have rained down like confetti. Four Premier League Golden Boots. PFA Player of the Year awards. FWA Footballer of the Year gongs. The list goes on and on, each award another testament to sustained excellence at the highest level.
Remember the 2017-18 season? Salah smashed the Premier League single-season scoring record with 32 goals, a campaign of such relentless brilliance that it felt like watching football from another dimension. That stunning solo effort against Manchester City. The chip against Everton. The Roma masterclass. Magic woven week after week.
The business end beckons
Liverpool’s statement made clear that Salah remains laser-focused on the here and now, not the farewell tour. With silverware still up for grabs this season, the Egyptian King isn’t ready for his valedictory lap just yet.
“With plenty still left to play for this season, Salah is firmly focused on trying to achieve the best possible finish to the campaign for Liverpool and, therefore, the time to fully celebrate his legacy and achievements will follow later in the year when he bids farewell to Anfield,” the club confirmed.
It’s a professional touch that typifies Salah’s approach throughout his Liverpool career. No fuss, no drama, just relentless focus on winning football matches and collecting trophies.
The proper send-off, the standing ovations, the emotional lap of honour, all that will come when the season reaches its climax. For now, there are points to win, matches to conquer, and potentially more silverware to claim before Salah takes his final bow.
What happens next?
The million-dollar question, of course, is where does Salah go from here? At 33 years old (he’ll turn 34 in June), the forward clearly believes he has more to offer at the elite level. Speculation will inevitably swirl around potential destinations, a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia? A romantic return to Egypt? One final challenge in a different European league?
For Liverpool, the task of replacing the irreplaceable looms large. How do you fill the boots of a player who has delivered 255 goals and redefined what it means to be a Liverpool legend in the modern era?
The recruitment team have their work cut out. But for now, Liverpool supporters can focus on savouring every remaining moment of the Salah era – because once it’s gone, they’ll never see anything quite like it again.
From £36.9 million bargain buy to bonafide Liverpool icon, Mohamed Salah’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. The final chapter is being written as we speak. Make sure you don’t miss a single page.
Read the full statement on Soccer Laduma
