Lewis Steele reveals the truth behind Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool exit | OneFootball

Lewis Steele Reveals the Truth Behind Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool Exit

On a special episode of Anfield Index’s Media Matters, Dave Davis and Lewis Steele unpacked the growing story around Mohamed Salah and his impending departure from Liverpool.

Steele made it clear this has not been a sudden development. He stated, “the info I had from good sources in and around the situation was that it was around December that Salah and Ramy Abbas, his agent, started instigating the talks to leave.” That reference to Ramy Abbas is key, confirming the process has been quietly progressing for months rather than days.

He added further context, saying, “it’s not like something that’s only happened in the last week or two. He’s been going for a while.” That insight cuts through the noise, framing Salah’s announcement as the culmination of a longer strategy rather than an emotional or reactive decision.

Liverpool exit shock despite expectation

Despite widespread expectation, the confirmation still landed heavily. Steele described it bluntly, “it’s huge news. It’s a bombshell, as it always is, whenever there’s news about Mo Salah.” He also acknowledged the emotional weight for supporters, noting that “it’s still a big shock… all that anyone’s been talking about in the fan base the last three or four days.”

Importantly, the real surprise was not that Salah is leaving, but how. Steele explained, “we’ve been saying on here all season it wouldn’t be a surprise if Mo leaves this summer. So the fact he’s leaving wasn’t a surprise. It was the fact he’s leaving for nothing, which is a surprise.”

That distinction matters. Liverpool losing Salah on a free transfer raises broader questions about planning and contract management at the club.

Saudi Arabia likely destination

While uncertainty remains publicly, Steele offered a strong indication of what comes next. “I think he will end up in Saudi… I’m 85%/90% sure that he’ll end up in Saudi.” He also suggested the player already has clarity, adding, “I would imagine that Mo has an eighty percent knowledge of where he’s going to end up next season.”

This aligns with the longer narrative around Salah’s future. Steele pointed out that interest from Saudi clubs is not new, referencing previous approaches and suggesting this move has been building over time.

Photo: IMAGO

Context from Media Matters conversation

The tone of the discussion between Steele and Davis reflected both insight and inevitability. Steele even joked about the timing, saying Salah “rudely ruined my Tuesday and Wednesday… making me very busy,” underlining how disruptive the announcement has been across the media landscape.

Davis framed the fan reaction, noting “it’s massive news and it’s still hurting a lot of us Liverpool fans as well,” which captures the emotional side of a story rooted in long-term planning.

What this means for Liverpool

The departure of Mohamed Salah marks the end of an era, described by Steele as “the best player in Liverpool’s recent history, last ten, fifteen years anyway.” The timing of the announcement may energise the final stretch of the season, but the strategic implications are far more significant.

With Ramy Abbas involved in early negotiations and Liverpool seemingly aware of the direction of travel, this is a transition that has been unfolding behind the scenes for months. The challenge now lies in how effectively the club responds, both on and off the pitch.