In a seismic shift for Liverpool Football Club, Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian superstar and one of the Premier League’s greatest-ever wingers, has reportedly decided to leave Anfield in the summer of 2026 to join a Saudi Pro League club. The decision, which marks the end of a remarkable nine-year tenure with the Reds, has sent shockwaves through the footballing world. Sources close to the situation suggest that a rift with head coach Arne Slot, stemming from Salah’s inability to meet a specific tactical requirement, played a pivotal role in his choice to depart. This article explores the circumstances surrounding Salah’s exit, his legacy at Liverpool, and what lies ahead in Saudi Arabia.
A Glittering Legacy at Liverpool
Since joining Liverpool from AS Roma in 2017 for £36.9 million, Mohamed Salah has redefined excellence at Anfield. With 228 goals and 102 assists in 373 appearances by August 2025, Salah is the club’s third-highest goalscorer in history and the all-time African top scorer in both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League. His clinical finishing, electrifying pace, and playmaking ability have earned him the nickname “Egyptian King” and a place among the greatest wingers of his generation. Salah’s accolades include a Premier League title, a Champions League trophy, an FA Cup, and three Golden Boots, cementing his status as a Liverpool legend.
The 2024-25 season saw Salah at his peak, scoring 32 goals and providing 23 assists, helping Liverpool secure their second Premier League title under Arne Slot’s management. Despite his stellar performances, reports indicate that tensions began to surface between Salah and Slot, particularly in the latter half of the season. These tensions, coupled with lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia, appear to have tipped the scales in favor of a move to the Middle East.
The Rift with Arne Slot
According to sources from The Athletic and Sky Sports, the decision for Salah to leave stems partly from a disagreement with Slot over a specific tactical demand. Slot, known for his meticulous and possession-based approach, reportedly required Salah to adapt to a more disciplined role in his 4-2-3-1 system, emphasizing defensive contributions and positional rigidity on the right flank. While Salah has always been a dynamic attacker, his defensive work rate—averaging just 0.7 tackles per game in the 2024-25 season compared to the 1.5 tackles per game expected of wingers in Slot’s system—allegedly fell short of expectations. This mismatch reportedly led to friction, with Slot expressing frustration over Salah’s reluctance to fully embrace the role.
A source close to the club stated, “Slot wanted Salah to track back more consistently and press higher, but Mo felt it limited his attacking output. They had honest discussions, but the gap in philosophy was evident.” This tension was compounded by Salah’s age (33 by 2026) and Liverpool’s long-term planning, which prioritizes younger talents like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, both linked with moves to Anfield.
The Saudi Pro League Beckons
Salah’s decision to move to Saudi Arabia aligns with ongoing interest from the Saudi Pro League, particularly from Al Hilal, who have been pursuing him since 2023. Al Hilal, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, previously offered €155 million in 2023 and a staggering €150 million two-year contract in 2025, both of which Salah rejected to stay with Liverpool. However, with his contract set to expire in 2027 and no new extension agreed upon, Al Hilal has rekindled their pursuit, reportedly offering a record-breaking €200 million deal, including a €40 million annual salary and ambassadorial roles. The financial package, combined with cultural ties—Salah being a high-profile Muslim and Arab footballer—makes the move a significant coup for the Saudi Pro League.
The transfer is expected to be finalized in the summer of 2026, potentially as a free agent if Liverpool does not secure a fee before his contract nears its end. Al Hilal’s manager, Jorge Jesus, has publicly praised Salah’s playing style, stating, “He fits perfectly into our vision for a dominant, attacking team.” The move will see Salah join a star-studded roster, including Rúben Neves and João Cancelo, as the Saudi Pro League continues its ambition to become a global football powerhouse.
Impact on Liverpool and Salah’s Legacy
Salah’s departure will leave a significant void at Liverpool, both on and off the pitch. His ability to deliver in crucial moments—such as his record-setting 15 goals and 15 assists in a single Premier League season—will be hard to replace. Liverpool is reportedly eyeing Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush, a fellow Egyptian, as a potential successor, with a transfer fee of €60 million being discussed. However, replacing Salah’s leadership and cultural impact, particularly among Egyptian fans, will be a taller order.
Despite the reported tensions with Slot, Salah’s legacy at Liverpool remains untarnished. Fans and pundits alike credit him with transforming the club’s attacking identity and raising its global profile. His decision to move to Saudi Arabia, while disappointing to some, reflects a pragmatic choice to secure his financial future while continuing to compete at a high level in a less demanding league.
What Lies Ahead?
As Salah prepares to bid farewell to Anfield, the football world is left to ponder the end of an era. His move to Saudi Arabia will likely see him dominate in a new league, potentially alongside other global stars like Neymar or Karim Benzema. For Liverpool, the focus will shift to rebuilding under Slot, with young talents expected to carry the torch. Salah’s journey—from Al Mokawloon to global stardom—remains a testament to his talent and resilience, but his departure signals a new chapter for both the player and the club he leaves behind.
