The Athletic FC Podcast

Episode: What does Salah’s exit mean for Liverpool?

Date: March 25, 2026
Host: Ayo Akamolere
Guests: David Ornstein, Oli Kay, Mark (Football Analyst), John Gibbons

Episode Overview

This episode of The Athletic FC Podcast dives deep into the seismic news that Mohamed Salah, after nine extraordinary years at Liverpool, has confirmed that this will be his last season at Anfield. The panel, featuring top football journalists and a voice from Liverpool's fan base, unpacks what Salah's exit means for the Reds both on and off the pitch. Topics covered include the background and inevitability of the decision, the financial and tactical consequences, his legacy, possible transfer destinations, and the uncertainty swirling around Liverpool’s future.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Nature of Salah’s Departure

• Was Salah’s exit a shock?

  • David Ornstein clarifies that while the announcement date was unexpected, the departure itself was not a surprise. Hints had been dropped throughout the season, particularly after a post-match outburst and family presence at supposed farewells (03:09).
  • Quote:

    "It was more a seismic end to the era than a seismic shock that he's going."
    — David Ornstein (03:09)

• Decision origins

  • The move was instigated by Salah, driven by declining form, reduced playing time, and the changing dynamics of Liverpool’s squad (04:07).
  • Liverpool will not receive a transfer fee but will benefit from the salary savings, a mutual acknowledgment of his service.

2. Salah’s Decline This Season

• Statistical drop-off

  • Last season: 47 goal involvements (29 goals, 18 assists). This season: Only 11 (06:13).
  • Oli Kay attributes this to both collective and individual struggles:
    • The Diogo Jota tragedy, new teammates, and changes in management and tactics.
    • Quote:

      "He's looked a completely different player this season... loss of confidence, loss of sharpness, and the passing of time."
      — Oli Kay (06:55)

• Era coming to a close

  • Both Liverpool and Salah recognizing the time was right for a split; hopes expressed for Salah to “go out on a high” (06:55).

3. Financial & Squad Implications

• Huge wage off the books

  • Salah’s exit relieves Liverpool’s wage bill, allowing more flexibility in squad-building and contract renewals (08:53).
  • Quote:

    "It does provide them with a slightly better financial outlook in the immediate term to do what they want to do."
    — David Ornstein (08:53)

• Transfer strategy changes

  • Departures and savings facilitate a "more measured" transfer market approach going forward.

4. Where Next for Mo Salah?

• Possible destinations:
  • Strong interest from Saudi Arabia persists (especially Al Ittihad), with MLS (notably San Diego with Egyptian ownership) also a speculative fit (11:29, 12:29).
  • Europe: Clubs like PSG or Barcelona are less likely now due to their current strategies and finances.
  • Notably, Salah announced his exit without a pre-arranged next club—an unusual move at his stature (13:12).
  • Quote:

    "It is really interesting that he has made this announcement without... knowledge of where he's going next... Maybe a little bit of a weight lifted. Go to the World Cup with Egypt, see how your form is, see what options arise."
    — David Ornstein (13:12)

5. Salah’s Record & Liverpool Legacy

• Incredible numbers (20:11 Mark):
  • 189 Premier League goals (most for a single club)
  • 92 assists since 2017
  • 4 Premier League Golden Boots (joint-most with Thierry Henry)
  • 255 goals in all competitions (third-most in Liverpool’s history)
  • Most goals by an African player in Prem history; most goal contributions in a 38-game season (47 in 2024–25)
  • Most Liverpool goals in European competitions (53)
• Quote:

  "Only as time passes will we really, truly appreciate Salah's records."
  — Mark (20:11)

6. How Do You Replace a Player Like Salah?

• Succession planning

  • Liverpool have advanced recruitment but replacing a “unicorn” like Salah is a huge challenge (23:12).
  • Potential targets: Antoine Semenyo (now at City), Diamonde (RB Leipzig), Ryan (Bournemouth) – all expensive, complicated moves.

• Enhanced role for coach Arne Slot:

  • Despite a difficult season, Liverpool remain committed to Slot and rebuilding around him (23:12).

• Quote:

  "He’s going to leave an enormous void. I think we’ve probably seen the beginnings of the void this season because of his struggles.”
  — Oli Kay (26:40)

7. The Emotional & Cultural Impact

• Fan reaction:
  • John Gibbons (Anfield Rap) captures the sense of loss:

    “He always felt the one that was... this global icon. He almost transcended football... There’ll never be another Mo Salah.”
    — John Gibbons (28:53)

  • Salah’s on-pitch joy, iconic celebrations, and reliability make his absence seem “almost irreplaceable.”

8. Best Mo Salah Moments

• Memorable goals:
  • Incredible solo slaloms vs. Manchester City and Watford (Oct 2021) (31:19 Oli Kay)
  • Penalty in 2019 Champions League final (33:03 David Ornstein)
  • Puskás Award-winning goal v. Everton; Champions League strikes v. Roma (34:08 Mark)
  • Iconic celebrations and moments that defined championship and European triumphs.

9. Uncertain Times for Liverpool

• Club in transition
  • FSG have put second-club plans on hold; speculation over executive departures (37:51 David Ornstein)
  • Ongoing “instability or threatened, looming instability”—but also an opportunity for renewal.
  • Quote:

    “There is upheaval, there is a certain instability or a threatened, looming instability. So in one sense, Mo Salah's departure will add to that, but in another sense, I think it probably enables them to...reshape that sort of threat from wide areas.”
    — Oli Kay (40:38)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It was more a seismic end to the era than a seismic shock that he's going.”
  — David Ornstein (03:09)

• “He’s going to leave an enormous void. But I think we’ve probably seen the beginnings of the void this season.”
  — Oli Kay (26:40)

• “He almost transcended football... There’ll never be another Mo Salah.”
  — John Gibbons (28:53)

• “Only as time passes will we really, truly appreciate Salah's records.”
  — Mark (20:11)

• Best Salah goals:

  • Liverpool v. Man City and Watford solo goals (Oct 2021) (31:19)
  • 2019 Champions League final penalty (33:03)
  • Everton Puskás Award winner (34:08)

Important Timestamps

• [03:09] — Why Salah's exit isn’t a shock
• [04:07] — The mutual dynamics and context behind the decision
• [06:13] — Discussion of this season’s drop-off and the factors behind it
• [08:53] — Financial implications for Liverpool
• [11:29] — Where could Salah go next? Saudi, MLS, Europe
• [20:11] — Mark details Salah’s record-breaking numbers
• [23:12] — On the challenges of replacing Salah
• [26:40] — Assessing Salah’s place among Premier League greats
• [28:53] — John Gibbons on Salah’s cultural impact
• [31:19] — Panel’s favorite Salah moments
• [37:51] — The wider uncertainty at Liverpool

Conclusion

Mo Salah’s farewell represents the close of a legendary Liverpool chapter. His staggering goal and assist record, iconic moments, and extraordinary persona pose an almost impossible act to follow. Though his on-field influence waned this season, his absence will reverberate at Anfield and across English football—culturally and competitively. Liverpool now faces a phase of transition, both financially and in terms of identity, as fans, management, and the wider football world watch to see how the club evolves beyond the era of the Egyptian king.