Mohamed Salah leaves Liverpool after World Cup heroics

Mohamed Salah, the 34‑year‑old Egyptian forward, confirmed on Sunday that he will leave Liverpool FC this summer after mutually terminating his contract in March 2026. The announcement follows his final appearance for the club in a match against Brentford, which capped a nine‑year Anfield career. At the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G, Salah captained Egypt to a 3–1 victory over New Zealand on 21 June, scoring in the 67th minute and assisting Trézéguet in the 82nd. The win marked Egypt’s first World Cup triumph since 1934 and made Salah the oldest African player to record both a goal and an assist in a single tournament match since 1966. During the 2025/26 season, Salah broke Liverpool FC’s record for single‑season goal involvements, a milestone that underscored his status as the club’s third‑highest scorer of all time. His departure was sealed after a final league appearance against Brentford, confirming his free‑agent status. Salah, now 34, agreed with Liverpool to end his contract early in March 2026, allowing him to pursue a new chapter abroad. The mutual termination ended a nine‑year spell that began in 2017.

Mohamed Salah lifts Egypt after 3-1 World Cup win

Across Egypt’s opening two World Cup fixtures, Salah amassed one goal and two assists, creating five chances in the New Zealand match alone. His involvement reflected a return to the form that many had expected from the player of his calibre. Cody Gakpo impressed with two goals and an assist in the opener against Japan, while Alexander Isak scored a brilliant strike for Sweden, and Ryan Gravenberch and Florian Wirtz also performed well. No other club saw its players contribute more goals at the tournament than Liverpool.

Mo Salah scores as Egypt beat New Zealand 3-1, eye group win

Salah’s display has been cited as evidence that a change of coach at Liverpool was necessary, with the club now looking to the Andoni Iraola era for fresh ideas. The shift is expected to unlock further potential from a squad that underperformed last season. Liverpool will now rebuild their attacking options ahead of the next season, aiming to replace Salah’s influence with new signings. The club’s strategy will be shaped by the lessons of the World Cup and the upcoming Andoni Iraola tenure.