Liverpool braced itself to take $200M Mohamed Salah hit after FSG 'goodwill' move

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Mohamed Salah will leave Liverpool this summer, with the Egyptian having reached an agreement with the club that will see him exit Anfield for free as the final year of his contract is waivedMohamed Salah will leave Liverpool this summer(Image: Getty Images)Liverpool has been braced to take a hit on Mohamed Salah’s exit for almost three years now, with the Egyptian set to bring the curtain down on his Anfield career.Salah will leave the Reds this summer, having made the bombshell announcement earlier this week. In an article detailing some of the inside information on his departure, it’s revealed that the club has held that expectation ever since it turned down a £150 million ($200M) offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad in 2023.It’s claimed that, given Salah’s salary demands, it would be unlikely for any club interested in signing him to also be willing to pay a fee, especially considering he turns 34 in June.The decision to waive the final year of his contract is described as a “goodwill” gesture from FSG for what Salah has contributed over his nine years at the club, with sources close to the process deeming it "a common-sense outcome that suits all parties."Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes led the discussions with Salah(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)Getting Salah off the books early also gives Liverpool clarity as it looks at how best to replace him this summer.The Egyptian is the Reds’ highest earner, raking in a basic wage of around £400,000 ($532,000) per week plus bonuses, and the prospect of him staying on as a squad player in the final year of his contract was always seen as being unrealistic.Sporting director Richard Hughes led the discussions with Salah’s representative, with FSG signing off on the agreement.Talks began after Salah’s output had decreased dramatically compared to last season, in which he led Liverpool to the Premier League title.

Learn moreFrom $100LFC.comSee the dealLiverpool's home and away strips for the 2025/26 season are the first in their new partnership with adidas.Fans can order jerseys in the US at Fanatics.com or via the LFC Online Store in both the US and across the world.Although some bridges were repaired and Salah returned to the side after his involvement at the Africa Cup of Nations, his performances continued to be under-par, and the prospect of him continuing with a reduced role next season was deemed "unpalatable."Announcing his impending departure this week, Salah said: "I want to thank everyone who was part of this club during my time here, especially my teammates, past and present."And to the fans, I don't have enough words. The support you showed me, through the best time of my career, is something I will never forget and something I will always take with me."Leaving is never easy.

You gave me the best time of my life. I will always be one of you.