Mohamed Salah’s shock announcement that he is leaving Liverpool at the end of the season after nine years is the big story. The key question is: what happens next for the player and the club?
Who made the decision for Salah to leave?
Sky Sports News understands the decision was mutual — a joint conclusion between Liverpool, Salah and his representatives. Both parties are clear on the summer ahead: Salah is free to find a new club and Liverpool must recruit a new attacking option. The wages Liverpool had budgeted for Salah next season are now available to spend on a successor. Any transfer fee that would have gone to Liverpool if he’d been sold will instead be part of Salah’s package, giving him greater leverage to shape his next move. Announcing it now also allows Liverpool and the fans to celebrate his contributions and give him a proper send-off, and he could still play a part in Liverpool’s remaining cup campaigns.
Do Liverpool regret giving Salah a new contract?
No. Liverpool signed Salah to a two-year deal in summer 2025 on very lucrative terms after a brilliant prior season. While this season has not matched his previous output, signing him made sense at the time: most supporters would have wanted him retained given his recent form. Hindsight makes the situation look awkward: not extending him would have drawn criticism, and extending him and then seeing a dip in form invites the same. Liverpool acted on what they believed was right.
Does Salah’s decision affect Arne Slot’s future?
Salah’s exit does not determine Slot’s future. Slot is on a long-term contract and the club’s immediate focus is finishing the season strongly and pursuing trophies. If Liverpool secure the FA Cup and Champions League, Slot would likely remain. The club is not reportedly making summer staffing decisions contingent on Salah’s departure.
What do we know about Salah’s next move?
Salah’s agent Rami Abbas has been explicit that nothing is decided. Several obvious options exist:
– Saudi Pro League: Four PIF-linked clubs have been interested in Salah before and are expected to be front-runners. Al Ittihad is often cited as the best fit — they are reigning champions who lost Karim Benzema and have pursued Salah previously (a verbal £150m offer was reported in 2023). Al Nassr, Al Hilal and Al Ahli are also potential suitors among the PIF clubs.
– Major League Soccer: MLS remains an attractive destination, with clubs eager to sign marquee players following high-profile arrivals like Messi and Griezmann.
Salah could explore Europe as well, but it will depend on his wage expectations and the fit. PSG is a theoretical option — Liverpool face them in the Champions League quarter-finals — but PSG have recently emphasized a different squad-building approach focused on younger home-grown talent rather than constant superstar signings. If Salah wants a lower weekly salary, Europe could be feasible; if he seeks top-tier wages, options narrow toward the Middle East or MLS. It’s worth noting Salah was available on a free last summer and chose to stay, suggesting money isn’t his only motivator.
Is Europe an option for Salah?
Yes, a number of LaLiga and Serie A clubs could be interested. PSG are a maybe, depending on their strategy and salary tolerance. Ultimately it comes down to what Salah wants for footballing reasons and financial terms. He and his representatives will weigh both.
What is Liverpool’s succession plan?
Liverpool’s succession plan is not public. The club will not necessarily seek a like-for-like replacement. Recruitment will focus on a player who fits the system and the chosen tactical approach — potentially someone to complement Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, rather than simply a right-sided left-footer who replicates Salah’s role. The incoming profile could be a different type of attacker who fits the “next version” of Liverpool football.
Summary
Salah’s exit was agreed mutually and gives both parties clarity for the summer. Liverpool’s financial resources for his wages are freed up for recruitment, while Salah gains control over the financial terms a transfer would have yielded Liverpool. Saudi PIF clubs are frontrunners for his signature, with MLS and select European sides also possibilities depending on his priorities. The decision does not directly imperil Arne Slot’s job, and Liverpool will seek an attacker who fits their planned system rather than an exact Salah replacement.