‘Cannot co-exist’: Journalist claims Arne Slot at centre of Mo Salah exit | OneFootball

Mo Salah is leaving Liverpool at the end of the season. This is where it all finishes - nine wonderful years from one of the greatest to ever wear the Red.

But the why has left people a bit confused. Salah still has a year remaining on his contract and it's taken mutual termination for him to depart early.

Again, why? Liverpool could almost certainly command a fee from a Saudi Arabian team, for instance, should they wish to sell this summer. That might point to Salah not actually wanting to head over there, perhaps telling the club that either they accept termination this summer or he'll stick around.

It seems there was little chance of him remaining at the club, though. The Athletic makes it clear that 'all parties' felt this was for the best, despite Salah's belief that he's not finished at the elite level.

Journalist Ismael Mahmoud offers one explanation for the breakup: Arne Slot. Mahmoud claims that Salah simply wasn't going to endure another season under the Dutchman.

"The relationship with Arne Slot," he writes. "It became an absolute certainty: Salah and Arne Slot simply could not exist in the same team next season."

Slot and Salah had a public falling out back in December after the head coach dropped his star player for three matches. The player felt he was thrown under the bus for Liverpool's poor performances - something he made very clear, very publicly.

And perhaps that relationship simply isn't getting repaired. Instead, Salah will leave Liverpool in the summer while we all wait and see what happens with Slot.

Mo Salah: Situation Summary

As of 27 March 2026, Mohamed Salah has officially confirmed he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season. Despite a contract running until 2027, he and the club reached a mutual agreement to terminate it a year early. This ends a legendary nine-year tenure that saw him score 255 goals, the third-most in club history. He announced the news via an emotional video on 24 March to provide transparency to fans.

Injury and Form

Salah is currently sidelined with a muscle injury sustained during the 4-0 Champions League win against Galatasaray on 18 March. He missed the recent defeat to Brighton and withdrew from Egypt's international fixtures. He is targeting a return for the FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City on 4 April. In 34 appearances this season, he has recorded 10 goals and 9 assists.

Future Destination

The Saudi Pro League is the frontrunner for his next move. Al-Ittihad is reportedly preparing a massive package to make him the face of the league. While MLS clubs like San Diego FC have expressed interest, a move to Saudi Arabia is widely considered the most likely outcome for the 33-year-old.