Mohamed Salah set to leave Liverpool without transfer fee
Mohamed Salah will depart Liverpool without the club receiving any transfer fee this summer, following a decision by owners Fenway Sports Group to bring forward his contract end date by twelve months to 30 June 2026, reports BritPanorama.
The Egyptian forward, now 33, had signed a two-year extension last summer, though Liverpool’s preference at the time was for just a single additional year. Salah rejected that shorter arrangement. Since voicing his frustrations publicly at Elland Road in December, both the player and club have sought an exit from that agreement.
The contrast with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure proves stark—the defender faced widespread criticism for leaving on a free transfer yet still secured Liverpool £10 million. The relationship between Salah and manager Arne Slot has deteriorated beyond repair.
Slot’s decision to drop the forward from the starting lineup mirrors an earlier falling out with Jurgen Klopp, who benched him for a West Ham fixture in May 2024. Salah and his representative Ramy Abbas firmly believe the winger should remain an automatic starter. Once Slot ceased to share that view, conflict became unavoidable.
The forward’s £400,000 weekly salary demands, combined with any potential transfer fee, deterred clubs during the January window. Interest fell well short of what Salah had anticipated. For Liverpool, maintaining their highest-paid player on the substitutes’ bench created an untenable situation. His performances this campaign have not matched the standards of previous seasons.
Salah’s video announcing his departure contained a notable omission—no mention whatsoever of club ownership, management, or fellow players. His message addressed Liverpool supporters exclusively. The forward maintains strong relationships with teammates and staff members, with that goodwill expected to continue until his exit. However, his stance towards FSG executives Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes, along with Slot, remains uncompromising.
Salah considers himself among football’s elite performers and expects treatment befitting that status. Staying at Anfield was never viable unless he retained his place in the starting eleven. Fan sentiment currently reflects disillusionment verging on hostility towards Slot—unusual for a manager who has won the league title. FSG continue backing the Dutchman, though long-term job security remains uncertain.
Saudi Arabia emerges as the most likely destination for Salah’s next chapter, with Al-Hilal positioned as favourites to secure his signature. A vacancy for a marquee player also exists at Al-Ittihad.
Abbas has stated publicly that no final decision has been reached—a stance that strengthens Salah’s negotiating position considerably. The forward’s affection for the United States makes Major League Soccer another possibility, albeit one offering less financial reward and therefore less probable. A return to Italian football represents a slim but intriguing option; Serie A would provide Salah the opportunity to increase his tally of 48 Champions League goals, though any European move would require accepting reduced wages.
The coming ten weeks carry significant weight for all parties involved.
