Mohamed Salah officially becomes a free agent today, July 1, after reaching an agreement with Liverpool to terminate his contract 12 months before its original expiry date. The 34-year-old Egyptian forward ends a nine-year spell at Anfield, during which he scored 257 goals in all competitions and helped the club win two Premier League titles and the Champions League.
Early Exit After Public Fallout
Salah's final season at Liverpool was marred by a public falling-out with manager Arne Slot, who was replaced at the end of the campaign by former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola. The early termination allows Salah to pursue other opportunities immediately, with a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League widely considered the most likely destination. However, no agreement has been announced, and Salah is currently representing Egypt at the FIFA World Cup in North America.
Drogba's 'Selfish' Wish
The uncertainty surrounding Salah's next club leaves the door open for a sensational Premier League switch, a move that would delight Chelsea legend Didier Drogba. In 2021, during Salah's contract stand-off with Liverpool, Drogba urged his former club to re-sign the winger. Speaking to Al-Axis TV, Drogba said: “If I am selfish, I will tell Salah to leave Liverpool and return to Chelsea. My opinion is that Salah will remain the best, no matter if he continues at Liverpool or if he moves. Any other team would perform better [with him] because he understands what he is doing, is good at scoring and creating goals, and only needs the confidence of the coach. I do not know what his decision would be. This is his decision alone and his future, but wherever he goes, I will be one of his fans.”
Salah's Chelsea History
Salah first joined Chelsea from Swiss side Basel in January 2014 for around £11 million. His spell in west London was underwhelming, making only 13 Premier League appearances before loan moves to Fiorentina and Roma. The Italian club signed him permanently in 2016, and a year later he moved to Liverpool for £34 million, where he became a club legend.
