Al-Ittihad Leads Race for Mohamed Salah as Liverpool Icon Announces Shock Free Transfer Departure This Summer

Mohamed Salah announces he is leaving Liverpool this summer. Al-Ittihad leads the race for the Egyptian star as a free transfer deal looms.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 26, 2026, 4:20 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Goal.com

The End of a Golden Era at Anfield

The football world was caught off guard on Tuesday when Mohamed Salah released a poignant farewell message confirming his departure from Liverpool at the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign. After nearly a decade on Merseyside, the 33-year-old expressed deep emotional ties to the city and the supporters, stating that he could never have imagined how much the club would become a part of his life. His exit marks the conclusion of one of the most prolific individual stints in Premier League history, leaving a void in the Liverpool frontline that will be historically difficult to fill.

Saudi Giants Renew Pursuit of the Egyptian King

Almost immediately following the announcement, Al-Ittihad surfaced as the primary suitor for the veteran forward’s services. According to reports from ESPN, the Saudi Arabian club has reignited high-level negotiations that had previously stalled after Salah signed a contract extension in April 2025. While several Middle Eastern clubs have expressed interest in the past, Al-Ittihad’s persistent tracking of the player suggests they are prepared to make him the centerpiece of their sporting project as they look to challenge for regional dominance.

Financial Landscape of a Free Transfer Move

In a surprising development regarding his contractual status, it has emerged that Liverpool and Salah have allegedly reached a mutual agreement to allow a departure without a transfer fee. Despite the player being technically tied to the club until 2027, this arrangement facilitates a smoother transition for both parties, allowing the Reds to begin a formal rebuild while Salah secures a lucrative final chapter in his career. This "free agent" status significantly lowers the barrier for entry for interested clubs, though the player's wage demands will remain among the highest in the world.