Mohamed Salah has confirmed he will leave Liverpool at the end of the current season.
The Egyptian forward made the announcement in an emotional message shared with supporters on Tuesday.
The 33-year-old recently signed a two-year contract extension towards the end of last season, but he will not see out the remaining year of that deal.
Speculation had suggested a public fallout with Reds head coach Arne Slot may have played a role in accelerating his exit, although the Dutchman has maintained that the issue is now closed.
After a draw against Leeds United in December, Salah sparked controversy when he claimed Slot wanted him out of the club.
His next destination is yet to be confirmed, but reports suggest a move to Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad or a switch to Major League Soccer could be on the table.
Despite the circumstances surrounding his departure, Salah leaves Liverpool as one of the club’s greatest-ever players.
Since joining from Roma in 2017, he has played a central role in Liverpool’s resurgence at the top of English and European football.
During his time at Anfield, he has won two Premier League titles, the Champions League, two Carabao Cups and the FA Cup.
He also lifted the Community Shield, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, alongside numerous individual honours including three PFA Player of the Year awards and four Premier League Golden Boots.
“Unfortunately the day has come. This is the first part of my farewell,” Salah said in a video posted on Tuesday evening.
“I will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.”
“I never imagined how deeply this club, this city, these people would become part of my life. Liverpool is not just a football club. It’s a passion. It’s a history. It’s a spirit.
“I can’t explain it in words to anyone not part of this club. We celebrated victory. We won the most important trophies and we fought together through the hardest time in our life.
“I want to thank everyone who was part of this club throughout my time here, especially the teammates, past and present.
“And to the fans, I don’t have enough words. The support you showed me, through the best time of my career, and you stood by me in the toughest times. It’s something I will never forget, and something I will take with me always.
“Leaving is never easy. You gave me the best time of my life, I will always be one of you, this club will always be my home, to me and to my family.
“Thank you for everything. Because of all of you, I will never walk alone.”
Liverpool also issued a statement shortly after the announcement confirming his departure.
“Mohamed Salah is to bring the curtain down on his illustrious career with Liverpool FC at the end of the 2025/26 season.
“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.
“Signed from AS Roma in the summer of 2017, the No.11 has firmly established himself as one of the greatest players in Liverpool’s history, helping the club to two Premier League titles, the Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FA Cup and two League Cups, as well as an FA Community Shield.
“His tally of 255 goals in 435 appearances to date has the Egyptian sitting third on the Reds’ all-time leading goalscorers chart, winning the Premier League Golden Boot on four occasions in addition to a host of personal accolades.
“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.”
Several of his teammates, past and present, paid tribute following the announcement.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk reacted with a heart and applauding emoji, while ex-Reds right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold also responded with a heart emoji.
“The greatest,” Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson said.
“Legend,” midfielder Ryan Gravenberch added.
Salah’s final season has been less prolific, with the forward scoring just 10 goals in all competitions so far.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have endured a difficult campaign, suffering 10 league defeats in what has been a disappointing title defence.
However, they remain in contention for a top-four finish and Champions League qualification, and are still active in both the Champions League and FA Cup.
