Mohamed Salah bids farewell to Liverpool at the end of this season: A beautiful conclusion to a nine-year romance.

Announcing the departure plan beforehand allows Mohamed Salah to receive deserved tributes, while also enabling Liverpool to start planning for the period without him in the squad.

Shortly after that decision, the "Egyptian King" received countless glowing praises, staggering statistics, and honorific articles from the media, despite the fact that this season, he and Liverpool have performed below expectations.

A different star behind the spotlight

In an effort to understand the crazy world he unexpectedly entered as his fame skyrocketed, Mohamed Salah equipped himself with knowledge through… books.

Salah is a book enthusiast and often prefers direct exchanges with authors. He even occasionally proactively calls them to delve deeper and share personal viewpoints. A few years ago, an Egyptian scholar working in Northwest England was utterly surprised to receive a call from an anonymous number, and the person on the other end was Salah.

This researcher had just published an article on the relationship between body and mind, thinking that beyond Cairo's university circles, few would read it. But surprisingly, Salah found the material and wanted to discuss its content more deeply. The conversation only ended because both had to pick up their children after school, but it was enough to show how seriously Salah pursues maximizing his potential.

On the surface, Salah sometimes gives the impression of being a shallow athlete, but the reality is completely opposite. He has knowledge of African literature and philosophy, especially ideas he believes can help—even slightly—when stepping onto the pitch. He also knows the metaphorical saying often cited by Kenyan scholar Patrick Lumumba: "A good dancer must know when to leave the stage."

It must be emphasized that Salah still believes he has sufficient ability, even though his form this season shows signs of decline, but he also understands that, no matter how talented or successful you are, leaving while the audience is still enamored is a wise choice.

Signs of a predetermined farewell

The phrasing in the club's announcement about his departure this summer also carries many implications. The second paragraph states that Salah "has reached an agreement with the club to conclude his memorable nine-year chapter at Anfield."

This could indicate that Salah himself actively pushed for the separation. Previously, in December 2025, he drew attention by saying he felt "thrown under the bus" by some unnamed figures at the club after being benched in the match against Leeds.

Salah speaking out did not surprise Liverpool, but the intensity of his statement did. From the club's side, they had no immediate plan to part with him at that time. The issue lay with Salah, and if truly dissatisfied, he needed to clarify his stance.

Salah is not someone who likes to be forced. He feels comfortable playing the "agitator" role, as it keeps him proactive. However, the decision to part ways, even less than 12 months after signing a two-year contract last April (the most notable contract in club history), is a reasonable choice for all parties. In sports, nothing lasts forever, except memories and the images legends leave behind.

A complete farewell and the end of an era

Salah hasn't always focused on his legacy. During his nine seasons at Liverpool, he signed four contracts total. Before his third contract was finalized in 2022 after nearly two years of negotiations, he considered options that could negatively impact his image at Anfield. But over time, as choices narrowed, he became more aware of his own standing value and what could be lost.

Now, that gives both Salah and Liverpool the chance to part ways completely. He will receive tributes as a hero, something Trent Alexander-Arnold didn't get after his incomplete departure earlier. Salah's farewell ceremony is likely to resemble Jurgen Klopp's in 2024, despite Liverpool's difficult season or his own unsatisfactory form.

From Fenway Sports Group's side, they certainly appreciate Salah's contributions, and that is sincere. But they will also be pleased to reduce the wage bill, which ranks second in the Premier League. Salah's departure opens the opportunity to refresh the squad at a lower cost. However, this also raises the question: Do those who extended the contract with the highest-paid player in club history at age 33 have enough courage under pressure from fans, who once held banners saying "Give Mo His Dough"?

Liverpool has succeeded under Fenway Sports Group, but hasn't maintained long-term dominance. In the past, they achieved that through decisiveness, being ready to say goodbye to legends at the right time. Of course, that also requires not changing too much simultaneously, as last summer. And clearly, the team's current problems aren't solely about Salah.

Salah's sole agent, Ramy Abbas, remains firm on social media, criticizing "clickbaiters" and stating: "We don't know where Mohamed will play next season, and that means nobody else knows." Where Salah fits next is a story for the future. But one thing is certain: His departure marks the end of an era at Anfield.