Mohamed Salah confirms Liverpool exit as Arne Slot future speculation grows
Mohamed Salah will leave Liverpool as a free agent this summer after confirming the end of his nine-year stay at Anfield via social media. The 33-year-old forward, whose contract runs through 2025, stated his departure plans Tuesday despite ongoing negotiations about his future between club officials and Saudi Pro League representatives.
Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock suggested manager Arne Slot's position could become vulnerable if results deteriorate, telling BBC Radio Five Live: 'If Liverpool crash out of the Champions League to PSG and lose the FA Cup semifinal against Manchester City, suddenly things look bleaker. It won’t just be Salah they’re replacing.' The Reds face Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League quarterfinal second leg on April 16 after a 3-2 first-leg defeat.
Ex-Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood believes Salah's announcement could motivate the squad, telling Sky Sports News: 'It will galvanize them. The best Liverpool side is still capable of winning the Champions League.' Left-back Andy Robertson paid tribute to his teammate, calling Salah 'the greatest' in Liverpool's history on Instagram while praising his 'second-to-none mentality.'
Multiple reports indicate advanced talks between Liverpool and Saudi Pro League clubs, though the Egyptian's next destination remains unconfirmed. Salah departs as Liverpool's third-highest scorer with 255 goals, behind only Ian Rush and Roger Hunt. The club is reportedly targeting Bundesliga attackers as replacements, with one candidate valued at €140m.
Salah's decision follows a slight dip in form this season, with 22 goals across 37 appearances compared to his 30-goal campaigns in 2021/22 and 2022/23. His exit marks the end of an era for Liverpool, who must now rebuild their attack while navigating crucial fixtures that could define Slot's early tenure.
