Mohamed Salah has officially become a free agent, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable nine-year spell at Liverpool after agreeing to end his contract a year early.
The Egypt international leaves Anfield as one of the club’s modern greats after scoring 257 goals in all competitions and helping Liverpool win two Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League during a golden era on Merseyside.
Although a move to the Saudi Pro League remains the strongest possibility, no agreement has yet been announced as Salah continues to represent Egypt at the FIFA World Cup. His availability on a free transfer has inevitably reignited speculation over alternative destinations, including the possibility of another spell in the Premier League.
One of the most intriguing links is a potential return to Chelsea, where Salah’s English football journey first began.
Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba previously admitted he would welcome seeing the Egyptian back at Stamford Bridge. During Salah’s lengthy contract negotiations with Liverpool in 2021, Drogba suggested the forward would improve virtually any team because of his consistent goalscoring record, creativity and experience, while acknowledging that the decision would ultimately rest with the player.
Salah initially joined Chelsea from Swiss side Basel in January 2014 but struggled to establish himself in west London. Limited first-team opportunities led to loan spells with Fiorentina and Roma before the Serie A club completed a permanent transfer in 2016.
That move proved to be the turning point of his career. Liverpool signed him for around £34 million a year later, and Salah developed into one of the world’s most feared attackers, breaking numerous club and Premier League records while cementing his status as a Liverpool legend.
His final season at Anfield was overshadowed by a well-publicised disagreement with then-manager Arne Slot before the Dutch coach departed at the end of the campaign. Former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has since taken charge of Liverpool as the club enters a new era.
For now, Salah’s immediate focus remains on Egypt’s World Cup campaign, but with his Liverpool chapter officially over, attention is expected to intensify over where one of the biggest names in world football chooses to continue his career.
Saudi Arabian clubs continue to be regarded as the favourites, although his free-agent status ensures interest is likely to come from several of Europe’s leading sides before a final decision is made.
