Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Mohamed Salah has announced he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, bringing an emotional end to a glittering nine-year spell. His departure marks the close of one of the club’s most successful eras, with the Egyptian forward firmly established among Liverpool’s all-time greats.Reflecting on his journey, Salah said, “Liverpool is not just a football club. It’s a passion, it’s a history, it’s a spirit. I can’t explain in words to anyone not part of this club.”
A legendary run in numbers
Salah’s impact can best be understood through his staggering numbers. Since joining from Roma in 2017 for around USD 50 million, he has scored 255 goals in 435 appearances, making him Liverpool’s third-highest goalscorer ever, behind only Ian Rush (346) and Roger Hunt (285).In the Premier League alone, Salah has been directly involved in 281 goals (189 goals and 92 assists), the most by any player for a single club in the competition’s history.
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (AP Photo/Jon Super)
He also created 534 chances from open play, highlighting his all-around attacking ability.His consistency is further reflected in his scoring rate, averaging a goal every 138 minutes, and reaching 100 Premier League goals in just 151 games, a club record.
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah celebrates by taking a selfie (AP Photo/Jon Super, File)
Salah also delivered in big moments. He scored 48 goals in the Champions League for Liverpool and holds the record for the club’s fastest European goal at 55 seconds. In one memorable night, he scored the fastest Champions League hat-trick in just 6 minutes and 12 seconds.Trophy-wise, he won 8 major titles, including 2 Premier League titles, 1 Champions League, 1 FA Cup, 2 League Cups, the Club World Cup, and UEFA Super Cup. Individually, he claimed the Premier League Golden Boot 4 times, equalling Thierry Henry’s record.
A complicated end and what lies ahead
Despite his legendary status, Salah’s final season has been turbulent. After a dip in form, he admitted feeling “thrown under the bus”, with reports of tension between him and manager Arne Slot. His output also dropped by his standards, with just a handful of league goals this season.Liverpool, meanwhile, are struggling with injuries, lack of squad depth, and inconsistency, leaving them facing a major rebuild.
Mohamed Salah applauds (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Replacing Salah will be a top priority, but filling the gap left by a player of his quality and influence will be a huge challenge.Salah’s future remains uncertain, with possible moves to Saudi Arabia, Major League Soccer, or a return to Europe being discussed. For now, attention turns to giving him a fitting farewell.Whatever comes next, Salah leaves behind a legacy defined by numbers, trophies, and unforgettable moments, cementing his place as one of Liverpool’s greatest-ever players.
