The decision to let Salah leave without a transfer fee is seen as a difficult but necessary choice by Liverpool's leadership, headed by Fenway Sports Group (FSG). Therefore, both parties agreed to adjust the contract, shortening its term by one year to 30/6/2026. This means Salah will be free to leave Anfield, in contrast to the case of Trent Alexander-Arnold, the English defender who was criticized for leaving similarly but generated approximately 11 million USD for the club.

Mohamed Salah and coach Arne Slot frustrated after Liverpool's 1-4 loss to PSV at Anfield, Liverpool, United Kingdom on the evening of 26/11/2025. Photo: Reuters

In fact, since Salah publicly criticized Liverpool in 12/2025, both sides have sought an early termination of the contract. However, at age 33, the Egyptian forward did not receive the expected interest during the mid-season transfer window. His transfer fee and a salary demand of approximately 546,000 USD per week deterred many clubs.

Prior to that, in summer 2025, Liverpool only wanted a one-year extension, but Salah refused. Ironically, the current outcome is quite similar: he remains for one more season before leaving for free, no longer satisfied with the coach or his life at the club.

According to FSG's data-driven operational model, the leadership previously worried Salah would enter a period of declining performance. In retrospect, a departure last summer might have been a more logical choice. However, at that time, Salah had just won the Premier League Golden Boot and led the assists chart, making a decision to part ways too risky.

In that scenario, all of Liverpool's difficulties this season might have been blamed on Salah's departure. To some extent, the leadership needed fans to witness his decline to accept the decision to part ways.

Internally, Salah remains popular among teammates and club staff, and this relationship is expected to continue until his departure. However, with the leadership and coaching staff, especially Arne Slot, the Egyptian player maintains a rigid stance.

Mohamed Salah pictured after extending his contract for two years with Liverpool in 4/2025. Photo: Liverpool FC

Salah consistently views himself as a top player and believes he should be treated accordingly. Along with his long-time agent, Ramy Abbas, he does not accept no longer being the first-choice option. When this perspective is no longer shared by the coach, conflict becomes unavoidable.

The possibility of Salah remaining in a substitute role is out of the question. When his professional contributions no longer guarantee a starting spot, his departure is only a matter of time. Previously, Salah had a disagreement with former coach Jurgen Klopp after being dropped from the squad for the match against West Ham in 4/2024. With Arne Slot, the current situation is considered irreparable.

For Liverpool, having the team's highest-paid player frequently on the bench creates significant pressure on the squad structure, a situation no club can sustain long-term. Notably, in his farewell video, Salah did not mention any individuals in the leadership, coaching staff, or teammates, instead addressing only the fans.

Salah reacts with Jurgen Klopp during the West Ham 2-2 Liverpool match on 27/4/2024. Photo: Reuters

Currently, attention at Anfield is focused on Slot's future. While he still receives support from FSG, this does not guarantee his long-term position. Executives like Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes both have contracts until next summer, but their continued commitment is uncertain, especially with Hughes attracting interest from Al Hilal.

The final 10 weeks of the season will be crucial for all parties. For Liverpool, it is an opportunity to salvage the season with a Champions League spot. For Salah, this is a time to conclude his journey at Anfield with an impressive finish, thereby reinforcing his view that he has not been treated fairly this season.

Hong Duy (according to Telegraph)