Mohamed Salah will leave Liverpool on a free transfer at the end of the season.
The Egyptian star announced his departure to his fans in an emotional statement on Tuesday.
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The 33-year-old signed a two-year contract shortly before the end of last season, but he will not see the rest of the contract year.
The Pitch Prospect understands Salah has agreed to “amend” the final year of his £20million-a-year contract to be allowed to leave for free, similar to the termination of former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp’s contract in 2024.
It is understood exit talks began before the start of the Africa Cup of Nations in late December.
A public row with Reds head coach Arne Slot may have hastened his departure, although the Dutchman previously suggested the matter was closed.
In a shock outburst after a draw at Leeds United in December, Salah accused Slot of trying to exclude him from the club and that the pair had no relationship.
It remains to be seen where Salah will go, but The Pitch Prospect understands a move to Saudi club Al Ittihad or Major League Soccer is an option for him.
Addressing speculation about his future, Salah’s agent Ramy Abbas Issa said: “We don’t know where Mohamed will play next season. That also means no one else knows. Beware of the click-happy attention seekers.”
And despite what could have been a bitter end to his Liverpool career, the player undoubtedly leaves the club as a recognized club legend.
Salah arrived from Roma in the summer of 2017 and played a key role in restoring Liverpool’s glory.
Salah has won the Premier League twice, the Champions League, two Carabao Cups and the FA Cup during his time at Liverpool.
Salah statement
He also won the Community Shield, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup with the Merseysiders, as well as numerous personal awards including a record 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 published 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 a part of my life. Liverpool is not just a football club. It’s a passion. It’s a story. It’s a spirit.
“I can’t explain it in words to anyone who doesn’t belong to this club. We celebrated the victory. We won the most important trophies and fought together through the hardest time of our lives.
“I would like to thank everyone who has been part of this club during my time here, especially the past and present teammates.
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“And to the fans, I’m at a loss for words. The support that you showed me during the best time of my career and that you stood by me in the most difficult times. It’s something that I will never forget and that I will always carry with me.
“Saying goodbye 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, for me and my family.
“Thank you for everything. Because of all of you, I will never walk alone.”
Liverpool statement
The club said shortly after Salah’s announcement: “Mohamed Salah will end his brilliant career with Liverpool FC at the end of the 2025/26 season.
“The striker has reached an agreement with the Reds that will see him complete a remarkable nine-year chapter at Anfield.
“Salah expressed his desire to share this announcement with supporters at the earliest opportunity in order to provide transparency about his future out of respect and gratitude to them.
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“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, the FIFA Club World Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, the FA Cup and two League Cups, as well as an FA Community Shield.
“With his tally of 255 goals in 435 games, the Egyptian ranks third in the Reds’ all-time goalscoring list and has won the Premier League Golden Boot four times as well as numerous personal awards.
“With a lot left to play this season, Salah is firmly focused on achieving the best possible end to the season for Liverpool. That’s why it will be time to celebrate his legacy and achievements to the fullest later in the year when he bids farewell to Anfield.”
Teammates pay tribute
Unsurprisingly, a number of Salah’s current and former teammates turned out in force to greet the player following his announcement.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk commented with a heart and applause emoji, and former Reds right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold commented on the post with a heart emoji.
“The greatest,” said Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson.
“Legend,” said Reds midfielder Ryan Gravenberch.
Salah’s final season at the club was a difficult one as he only scored ten goals in all competitions.
Liverpool have endured a frustrating season, losing ten league games this season in which they failed to defend their title.
But Liverpool are still in the hunt for a Champions League qualification spot in the Premier League table and are in the quarter-finals of both the Champions League and FA Cup.