Liverpool

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Liverpool captain Andy Robertson says team-mate Mohamed Salah "pretty much carried us on his back at times" during last season's Premier League title victory.

Reflecting on the recent announcement of Salah's planned departure at the end of the season, Robertson referred to the Egyptian as his "close friend" as well as a club "legend".

Reds and Scotland defender Robertson said: "I've probably run out of words to say about Mo. Fantastic player. Unbelievable what he's done.

"Our football club obviously signed me the same summer and just being able to see him grow as a player, grow into one of the best in the world, how professional he is - it's been a joy to watch.

"Even if you look back at last season, he pretty much carried us on his back at times.

"I suppose all good things have to come to an end and Mo's made the decision that it would be this summer. Obviously I'll fully support him on that.

"I don't think there's any doubt of how much of a legend he is at the football club. He's in the conversation of best players ever to play for the football club.

"To be able to call him a team-mate, but also call him a friend - and he's been a close friend - of mine for the last nine years.

"It's an absolute privilege to play for him."

Robertson is out of contract this summer and, asked at the Scotland news conference about his future at Anfield, he said: "My thoughts will stay private, they always have.

"There's been a lot of discussions had internally. I've always got to work out what me and my family want and that's always been consistent. We know the end of the season is coming and obviously we'll need to make a decision soon."

Lee Hawthorn
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Liverpool FC via Getty Images

When Mohamed Salah joined Liverpool in the summer of 2017, the Premier League was naturally a very different place to the one we know in 2026.

Since the announcement of his departure, social media has been filled with TV broadcaster graphics featuring the stars of seasons gone by, including Salah alongside the likes of Kevin de Bruyne, Harry Kane and Pierre-Emerick Aubemeyang.

Casting an eye back to the close of play on the 2016-17 season, there is a lot more to think about than just those star names.

Liverpool finished fourth in Jurgen Klopp's first full season in charge, having come eighth the season before.

Philippe Coutinho had the most league goal contributions, with 13 goals and seven assists, and Sadio Mane was named in the PFA Team of the Season in his debut campaign at Anfield.

Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harry Wilson were among academy graduates to make appearances for a side being captained by Jordan Henderson.

Elsewhere, Salah's former club Chelsea had just been crowned Premier League champions under Antonio Conte, in what proved to be long-time captain John Terry's final season with the club.

Manchester City and Manchester United had each spent a year under the management of Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho respectively, Olivier Giroud had just scored his iconic scorpion kick for Arsenal against Crystal Palace and Everton's 25-goals-a-season striker Romelu Lukaku was about to leave for Old Trafford.

The team with the most jarring difference between 2016-17 and 2025-26 is almost certainly Tottenham. Kane won the Premier League's Golden Boot in 2016-17 as Spurs finished second behind Chelsea.

Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Hull City were the three sides relegated from the top flight in 2017, to be replaced by Newcastle, Brighton and Huddersfield Town.

And also, they did not yet have VAR in the Premier League back then.

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Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says Mohamed Salah is an "all-time great" and his legacy at the club will be difficult to top.

Klopp, who signed Salah from Roma in 2017 for £34m, managed the forward - who has announced he will leave Anfield in the summer - for his first seven seasons at the club.

Salah has scored 255 goals for Liverpool, putting him third on the club's all-time scorer list.

"In the moment when you work with him, it is the same as every other player: 'You can't lose the ball here, you have to defend here', all these kind of things," Klopp told The Anfield Wrap, external.

"But with the bigger view, it is just ridiculous. Unmatched numbers. Will we be talking in 10 years and someone else has them? [Hugo] Ekitike or whoever? I think it will be really difficult [to surpass Salah]."

Under Klopp, Salah won the Champions League, Premier League, three domestic cups, the Super Cup and the Club World Cup.

The majority of those trophies came with Salah on the right flank of a front three consisting of Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.

"He [Salah] was part of the best front three in world football for a long time - the one with the most numbers. That says something," the German added.

"It is not easy to be slightly above the other two guys. They all had their specific skills, but Mo was the one for the final moment. He wanted it more than anybody.

"Sadio was a mix of both - he wanted to score goals but could even play in midfield. Bobby was the genius who didn't care about anything.

"Mo was the one with a goal always in his mind. You cannot train that or learn it. It is inside him, and he has that. He will have it until the last day of his life."

Read more of Klopp's quotes on Salah

Former Premier League goalkeeper Shay Given has said there does not seem to be "any urgency" in Liverpool's play and there are elements of their performances that have been "half-hearted".

The spotlight was back on Arne Slot following their 10th Premier League defeat of the season at Brighton on Saturday. The Reds have gained just one point from their past three league games.

"Everything they do looks a bit lacklustre, from an attacking point of view to the defensive side," said Given on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club. "It's kind of 'we'll half-heartedly try to block this cross' and 'we'll half-heartedly try to block the striker trying to get in front of us' and 'someone else will do my job'.

"There doesn't seem any urgency at all and I don't know what the answer is.

"Liverpool are renowned for not sacking managers - in fact, they are the opposite and they really support their managers.

"They've only won the league twice in 30-odd years and Slot is one of the guys to do that. A few months back, he was a hero.

"If they miss out on Champions League qualification, there will be serious question marks at the end of the season."

Watch this week's full episode on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

Bayern Munich have dismissed claims that forward Michael Olise will be allowed to join Liverpool, even if a record fee of more than £170m is offered for the 24-year-old France international. (Talksport), external

Liverpool are looking to sign 26-year-old Senegal forward Iliman Ndiaye from their city rivals Everton. (Teamtalk), external

Sunderland could face a battle to keep on-loan RB Leipzig utility player Lutsharel Geertruida at the club next term, with Liverpool, Aston Villa, Everton, Tottenham and Crystal Palace all interested in the 25-year-old Netherlands international. (Teamtalk), external

Pat Nevin believes there is a 'heartless' reason Liverpool vice-captain and Scotland captain Andy Robertson won't get a dream move to Celtic this summer. (Liverpool Echo), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

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Liverpool fan Courtney Neary was "shocked but not surprised" by Mohamed Salah's announcement that he is leaving at the end of the season.

Neary told BBC Radio Merseyside: "He was the start of the turnaround for the club with [Jurgen] Klopp.

"When I was a kid growing up, I didn't see much success - only really Istanbul [in 2005] which I can't complain at, but when we had Klopp there you started to feel a bit more positive and then Salah has been an unstoppable force most of the time.

"He's been the most consistent and reliable player a lot of the time and he was the start of the magic we've had over the past few years."

Explore Liverpool content on BBC Sounds

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Before Mohamed Salah announced he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season after nine years at the club, we asked for your views on whether the international break has come at a good time for the Reds - and we thought you'd still want to read some of your comments!

So here is a selection:

James: It will help if they get Slot out! Lost the players and fans! Getting embarrassing now!

Dan: In terms of injuries, giving Salah and Alisson time to come back - if possible - will help. But deeper problems with tactical decisions and a lack of depth of the existing squad won't be improved in two weeks. Huge quarter-finals on the return could define the rest of this season's run-in.

Jay: International break good for the fans to get over the rubbish we have had to watch lately. For players and management, a two-week break is just delaying the inevitable of players missing out on Europe and the manager keeping his job.

Fraser: I would like to think it would help us and I hope it does. But realistically, I don't think it will make much difference. We've been all over the place this season. Every fix Slot has tried hasn't worked, we play very slow and boring football and the results aren't going our way. This season was his season to shine and show he could adapt in a changing league, unfortunately he has failed that test. I hate to say it, but we need to move on from him in the summer.

Tony: It gives us the chance to get injured players fit and back, and for Slot to reconsider his formation, personnel, tactics, approach and substitutions. Not that he'll take it. He seems intent on this slow, predictable, possession game and only introducing substitutes once we have gone behind and are chasing the game. PSG will knock us out of the Champions League, Manchester City will knock us out of the FA Cup and we'll be lucky to finish in the top seven.

Ben: I don't think it will make much difference. Liverpool often play badly after an international break. The only advantage is that it'll allow the injured players time to recover before the next lot of games. I could be wrong but we shall see. With big season-defining games coming up against Manchester City and PSG, they really need to not be their post-international break selves.

Carlo: Unfortunately I think it will neither help or hinder Liverpool. The inconsistency throughout this season has become a theme. There is clearly something fundamentally wrong at Liverpool this season. So many players are not performing and poor selections from the manager have cost Liverpool.

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Liverpool have raised ticket prices for the 2026-27 season.

Adult general admission ticket prices will rise between £1.25 and £1.75 per ticket, while adult season tickets will increase by between £21.50 and £27.

The last rise was before the 23-24 campaign after eight consecutive seasons of price freezes.

A statement from the club read: "Any pricing changes will be in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) annual inflation rate from January of that year. This means that the inflation rate used for 2026-27 pricing changes will be based on the 12-month CPI rate to January 2026, which was 3%. There will also be a cap placed on the level of pricing increases related to CPI to be applied annually over the next three seasons, up to a maximum of 5%.

"The Supporters Board has been clear from the outset that its wish was for a ticket price freeze for two seasons, in line with the Football Supporters' Association campaign against ticket price increases.

"However, after careful consideration across several meetings, the club decided this was not considered viable in the highly competitive environment it operates within, as it continues to invest on and off the pitch, and rising costs across the club that are outside of its control."

Al-Ittihad had a £150m offer rejected for Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah in 2023 and now the Saudi Pro League side have revived their interest in the 33-year-old Egypt international, who will be available on a free transfer after leaving the Reds in the summer. (ESPN), external

Salah did not get the interest in his services he might have hoped for in the January transfer window and, in negotiating his departure this summer, Liverpool's owners - Fenway Sports Group - thought holding out for a fee would make a difficult situation worse. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

Liverpool have been in regular contact with former Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, who won the Champions League with the Anfield club as a player, and the Spaniard would be willing to take over from Arne Slot in the summer if certain conditions are met. (Bild - in German), external

Liverpool have been linked with replacing Salah with France winger Michael Olise but Bayern Munich are "relaxed" about the 24-year-old's future as he is under contract until 2029 and does not have a release clause. (Sport Bild - in German), external

Barcelona are keen on Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni but could face competition from Liverpool in any contest for the 26-year-old's signature. (Football Italia), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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Lola Katz Roberts
Fan contributor

Image source, Getty Images

If I hadn't seen such riches, I could live with being poor.

Mohamed Salah's arrival at the club in 2017 was the catalyst for a return to riches. The mythologised 70s and 80s, happening before our eyes again.

Champions League titles, Premier League titles, winning the lot again - it was unimaginable as the club teetered on the brink of administration in 2010.

That's what Salah means: glory, greatness, always.

There are not enough superlatives in the English language to convey his relentless brilliance, but there are two tenets of truth to hold on to as the news breaks that he will leave the club at the end of this season:

1. 348 days ago a new contract was signed, securing his future at the club until 2027.

2. The brilliance has relented this season.

This is a short story of what has gone wrong for Liverpool this season, something has snapped internally.

The highest-paid player - and deservedly so - has not delivered to his usual standards on the pitch this season and not playing your highest-paid forward is not sustainable.

So Liverpool's highest-paid player, one of the greatest to ever do it, will leave at the end of this season. All of that is fine and to be expected - setting aside the emotional impact of losing a person who has been a constant in my life for almost a decade.

What isn't fine is what happened after the Leeds game or the cameras panning to the bench to capture ironic laughter after being substituted. For a man who bends time to his will on the football pitch, he has always had a strong sense of timing off it.

The timing of this announcement is not fine. Just like the Leeds comments were systematically delivered to render maximum impact, so this announcement has arrived like a punch to the gut.

The future of the manager is in doubt and instead of two weeks of reflection to draw breath before one final push, we have this.

Thank you Mo. Thank you a thousand times - but you could have waited. Nobody is bigger than Liverpool Football Club, not Bill Shankly, not Steven Gerrard, not Jurgen Klopp, not Mohamed Salah.

Find more from Lola Katz Roberts on the Goal Difference podcast, external

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We asked you to tell us how you think Liverpool will go about replacing Mohamed Salah, whether it be existing players stepping up or new signings coming in.

Here are some of your thoughts:

Jack: There is no other way to say this, Mohamed Salah is simply irreplaceable. In today's market, he is a huge bargain for what he has given to the club. The skills, the goals, the assists, the pure passion. Liverpool could throw another £450m at the hole and they couldn't find anybody better. They will have to choose who comes in as the next right-wing superstar incredibly wisely, but there will always be a huge void on our right-wing that nobody can fill.

Ken: It will be almost impossible to replace the attacking output of Mohamed Salah; players like that are rare. I hope Liverpool have a plan which involves enticing Michael Olise from the Bayern juggernaut and the talented Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig. Otherwise, we could be looking at a spell in the wilderness before competing for major trophies again.

Eric: Get real. What will we do if Kevin Keegan leaves? What will happen if Kenny Dalglish retires? Mo Salah is a great player, of that there is no question, but life goes on. Respect his legacy and support this team going forward.

Aadam Patel
Liverpool reporter

Regardless of where Mohamed Salah ends up in the summer, it will be quite the sight seeing him no longer in Liverpool colours.

Here, BBC Sport assesses the 33-year-old's options, looking at who could realistically afford him and which countries have shown interest in the past.

Destination Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia is undoubtedly the first place to consider as his most likely destination.

There is the obvious link with Salah widely seen as a poster boy for both the Middle East and Arab world and such a connection will be massive.

In 2023, Al-Ittihad made a £150m bid that was turned down by Liverpool.

The 'big four' of Al-Ahli, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr, who are owned by the country's Public Investment Fund (PIF), know the impact Salah could have on the league as a global product.

Away from these clubs, Al-Qadsiah, who are managed by former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, are backed by Aramco, Saudi's oil company, and may well be interested.

But can the league afford him?

"Without a doubt," says football finance expert Kieran Maguire.

Join Messi in the MLS?

Could Salah follow in the footsteps of Lionel Messi and head to the United States?

The wages would not be as big as in Saudi Arabia but he would still earn a hefty sum.

The MLS has a wage cap but also the Designated Player rule – known as the David Beckham rule – that allows teams to buy star players. This has been used before for the likes of Beckham, Messi and Luis Suarez.

In December, MLS commissioner Don Garber publicly encouraged Salah to consider a move to the US, external.

"Obviously... we'd welcome him with open arms," he was reported to have said at the time.

Remain in Europe?

By his immense standards, Salah is having a below-par season but he still has 10 goals and nine assists across all competitions.

Crucially, Salah still believes he's good enough to compete in the Champions League and he could very much be an asset for top European sides.

However, it is hard to see Salah moving to another top Premier League club.

"Only a handful of European clubs could afford his wages," says Maguire. "If he was to move in Europe, then the realistic options are Paris St-Germain, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Barcelona but the proposition would have to be attractive enough for him."

So all the analysis points to Saudi against the MLS at this stage.

Read more on Salah's possible destinations

Ian Kennedy
BBC Radio Merseyside reporter

Image source, Getty Images

One of the interesting aspects of Mohamed Salah's announcement is the effect it will have on him between now and the end of the season.

Much has been made of Salah's form this season - and that of the team's form - as they battle to qualify for the Champions League.

It must have been on his mind for a while, so I wouldn't be surprised at all if - now that everything is out in the open - he plays with a freedom that will allow him to find his best form.

The fans will let him know how much he means to them. He will have huge support and that can only give him a massive boost. He will want to savour every game he plays between now and the end of May.

Salah has achieved just about everything and he will go down as one of Liverpool's greatest ever players.

If there's an all-time Liverpool XI to compile, you can stick Salah right there on the right-hand side.

There is still much to play for with the FA Cup, Champions League and league placing, so don't be surprised if Salah leaves Liverpool on another huge high.

Listen to Total Sport Merseyside from 18:00 on weeknights and find details here of live Liverpool match commentaries on BBC Radio Merseyside

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Chloe Bloxam
Fan contributor

Mohamed Salah has given everything to Liverpool for the past nine years. It has been an absolutely joy to watch him take to the pitch and wear the famous red shirt of Liverpool.

He has been an incredible athlete. He has been so dedicated and his work ethic has been through the roof. He has been brilliant to watch but, aside from that, he has been a brilliant human being. He has set records pretty much every time he's walked on to the football pitch.

It is like Liverpool was made for him and he was made for Liverpool - and ultimately it created a perfect storm. A storm that put Liverpool back on their perch, while also making Salah one of the greatest players in history.

He is one of the greatest right-wingers to ever grace the Premier League. He is one of the best right-wingers the world has seen. His stats speak for themselves, they are that of a striker, not a right-winger.

I will be forever grateful for what Salah has done for us. I'm devastated and gutted because he has given me some of the best days of my life, but all good things eventually come to an end.

There aren't enough words to do Salah and what he has done for Liverpool justice. I hope he has adored us fans, adored wearing the badge and adored playing for this club.

We can now give him the reception and goodbye he deserves. He is a Liverpool legend, up there with the likes of Kenny Dalglish and Steven Gerrard.

What's left to say aside from thank you so much, Salah.

Thank you for everything you've brought us, for dedicating yourself to being the best version you could be and, ultimately, for putting Liverpool right back where they belong.

Find more from Chloe Bloxam at The Redmen TV, external

Mohamed Salah's statistics at Liverpool are astounding.

Some 435 games, 255 goals and 119 assists in all competitions.

In the Premier League, 310 games, 189 goals and 92 assists. The fourth-highest scorer and the player with the most goals and assists combined in the competition's history.

It is the relentless consistency and longevity that is truly staggering.

Below, Salah's numbers per season show an incredible level over nine years, especially considering the number of games played and the standard Liverpool have been competing at.

His first year at the club in 2017-18 and last season's title-winning domination are the standouts, but 36 goals and assists combined in 2019-20 being the lowest for a full campaign is a number most players would dream of.

Since his arrival in 2017, Salah leads the Premier League for goals, assists, shots on target, chances created from open play and touches in the opposition box.

His creativity cannot be understated, sitting seventh all time for Premier League assists with 92.

He has dominated the league in a way few players ever have, and his numbers are right up there when it comes to looking at Liverpool's history.

Salah is the Reds' third-highest scorer of all time in all competitions and has the most goals in European competition.

His 52 goals is the most in Europe by any player for a single English club, with the list of players who have scored more European Cup or Champions League goals for a single club reading; Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Robert Lewandowski, Raul, Thomas Muller, Alfredo di Stefano.

Image source, Getty Images

Mohamed Salah will bring the curtain down on his illustrious Liverpool career at the end of this season, and his announcement has been met with an immediate response from inside and outside of the Anfield dressing room.

Vice-captain Andy Robertson led the tributes, having made 338 appearances alongside the Egypt international after signing for Liverpool in the same summer transfer window in 2017.

"Thank you for nine of the best years of our lives with amazing memories on and off the pitch," Robertson wrote on Instagram.

"Watching you become the best at what you do and become one of the best to ever have worn the Liverpool shirt has been a joy to watch and be part of.

"Your mentality is second to none and a lot of people could take note. You have pushed yourself every single day, and always demanded more from yourself and others.

"It's been a pleasure sharing the pitch with you for so long, but even more so being able to call you a friend. You deserve a send-off that reflects your status at LFC - the greatest and second to none."

Joe Gomez, who has been at Liverpool for the entirety of Salah's stint, also posted a tribute on Instagram: "One of the greatest to ever wear the shirt.

"It has been a pleasure having countless hours [on the pitch with you] and watching your greatness first hand.

"Everyone knows about your mentality and work ethic - the numbers just cement your legacy forever.

"Thank you for everything you've done for us. I'll always be grateful for our friendship over all these years. I can't wait to see you celebrated until the very end."

Image source, Getty Images

Salah's imminent departure means Liverpool will have lost two of their longest-serving players on free transfers in consecutive summers, following Trent Alexander-Arnold's move to Real Madrid last summer.

The 27-year-old right-back, who ended a 20-year stint at Anfield, posted on Instagram: "Some journey brother. LEGEND."

Left-back Konstantinos Tsimikas, who is on loan at Serie A club Roma, said: "I remember watching you on the TV and saying that you are one of the great players of our generation.

"Life happens and I had the luck to tell you that in person so many times.

"You are one of the closest and [most] important friendships I've created in my football career so far. A very good listener, a very good advisor and so patient with all my outbreaks.

"I thank you for your everyday company the last five years - the laughs, the talks, the achievements - for pushing me to be a better person and for being my inspiration on and off the pitch.

"PS: We all know that I'm your football bestie."

We asked for your views on the news that Mohamed Salah will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season - and Reds fans have sent us hundreds of replies.

Scroll down this page for a selection of responses that were published on Tuesday, and below are some more of your comments:

Dave: It's been a joy and a privilege to watch Mo since day one. Timing spot on and let's hope this clarity frees him to bag a few before he finishes. Loved every minute, Mo.

Christopher: It's truly sad news that we never wanted to hear but I think it was coming. He will always be a legend and a king. I will miss him consistently breaking records for the club. He has given everything for us over many seasons and I look back on some of the very best years for Liverpool FC, with Mo being such a huge part of that. I wish him and his family all the luck in the future and he will always be welcome at Anfield.

Tom: Salah has been one of the greatest players in this club's history and it should always have been his decision when he moves on. His time at the club has been a resounding success and he's given us fans memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you, Mo.

Karen: I feel like I'm losing a good friend. Expected it sooner or later, but gutted all the same. I wish him every success in his next venture. Thanks for everything, Mo. You were simply the best.

Glen: Salah leaving - it doesn't even feel real. Nine years of goals, magic and memories we'll never forget. From that first season to everything he's given this club - pure greatness. One of the best to ever wear the Liverpool shirt. Gutted to see him go. Not sure how we replace him, but nothing but respect and gratitude. A true legend of Liverpool FC.

How can Liverpool replace Salah? Existing players stepping up? New signings?

Get in touch with your views here

Image source, Getty Images

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