Full Breakdown
Mohamed Salah's Liverpool Exit: Injury, Announcement, and Club's Next Steps
4/29/2026, 11:22:05 AM
Departure, Injury, and Legacy
Mohamed Salah confirmed his departure from Liverpool at the end of the 2025-26 season after mutually terminating his contract. A hamstring tear in the 3-1 win over Crystal Palace on 25 April forced him off in the second half. Egypt national-team director Ibrahim Hassan said the injury will need four weeks of treatment, ending his participation in Liverpool’s remaining matches. In nine seasons Salah made 440 appearances, scored 257 goals (including 193 in the Premier League), won two league titles, a Champions League and four Golden Boots, and is the club’s third-highest scorer.
Official Statements & Responses
Liverpool manager Arne Slot called the injury serious and said the club cannot confirm if Salah will feature again before the season ends. Egypt’s national-team director confirmed a four-week rehabilitation and Salah’s fitness for the World Cup. Agent Ramy Abbas Issa said no agreement has been reached on his next club, adding “no one knows” where he will play.
Criticism & Opposition
Juventus sporting director Marco Ottolini denied any contact with Salah, saying “there is absolutely nothing regarding that.” Former Liverpool midfielder Markus Babbel said many European clubs cannot afford him and suggested a Saudi move for higher earnings. Former England international Jermaine Pennant urged Liverpool to sign Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise “at all costs” as a replacement. Steven Gerrard criticised recent transfer failures, noting that missing out on Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo “hurts” the club’s ability to replace departing stars.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Some outlets report that the four-week lay-off will end Salah’s season, while others note a slim possibility of a return before the campaign concludes. A few sources claim his last minutes were already played, whereas others leave his final farewell pending his recovery.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He has suffered a hamstring tear and will require four weeks of treatment,” — Ibrahim Hassan, Egypt national-team director
- “What is being said about negotiations for Mohamed Salah is not true," Ottolini is quoted as telling 365Scores.” — Marco Ottolini, Juventus sporting director
- “Been absolutely unbelievable.” — Alan Shearer
- “Yeah, it looks a bad one. Very unlikely he’ll play again, but what a credit to our game he’s been,” — Gary Lineker
- “He will get the send-off regardless,” — Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool captain
Replacement Options and Future Outlook
Liverpool have identified several potential successors. RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande is a top Bundesliga talent ready for a move, while Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise and academy graduate Rio Ngumoha are also cited as viable alternatives. The club’s recruitment must offset the loss of Salah’s goal output and leadership within financial limits. Salah is expected to announce his next club within days, with interest from Serie A, Ligue 1 and the Saudi Pro League.
