The long goodbye has begun for Mohamed Salah, the "Egyptian King" and one of the Premier League's most decorated players.
Since arriving from AS Roma in 2017, the 31-year-old has worn the Liverpool shirt 435 times in all competitions and could yet add up to 15 more appearances before this season ends. Whatever happens with Liverpool's remaining cup runs — they are still alive in the Champions League and FA Cup — Salah will leave having helped the club to six major trophies.
His individual record at Anfield is extraordinary: a record four Premier League Golden Boots, three PFA Players' Player of the Year awards, and, since joining Liverpool, the most Premier League goals (189) and assists (92). He has scored 255 times for the club in total, leaving only Ian Rush and Roger Hunt ahead in Liverpool's all-time list. Moments such as his goal celebrations — kneeling in sujood — and a trophy-laden cabinet have become part of the club's modern folklore.
Yet the way this exit has unfolded was not the plan. Less than a year ago Salah signed a contract extension to 2027 after a season in which he led both the Premier League goal and assist charts. By December he was being benched and, after
