The Athletic FC Podcast What does Salah’s exit mean for Liverpool?
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Mar 25, 2026 
Oli Kay, football journalist known for tactical and contextual analysis, and David Ornstein, experienced transfer and club correspondent, dissect Mohamed Salah’s imminent Liverpool exit. They explore why he left and how his form changed. They examine financial and squad implications, likely next destinations, and what Liverpool’s recruitment and strategy will look like going forward.
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Salah Instigated Departure After Role Erosion
- Mohamed Salah chose to trigger his departure after feeling his game time and role diminished following a new contract and squad reshaping.
- David Ornstein cites benching, new signings like Ekitike and Izak, and no guarantees of a starting spot as push factors.
No Fee Exit Was Pragmatic For Both Sides
- Liverpool waived a transfer fee to let Salah leave, prioritising salary savings and goodwill over a final-year negotiation.
- Ornstein says it was sensible for both parties since the final contract year "didn't make sense."
Performance Drop Explained By Trauma And Age
- Salah's output dropped drastically this season to 11 goal involvements amid team decline, personal loss and ageing.
- Oli Kay links Diogo Jota's death, confidence loss and being 33 as reasons for his poor 2025 form.