Salah's Liverpool Exit is Final, Claims Pearce – Reds Eye Two Summer Attackers

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah saga appears settled, according to The Athletic's James Pearce, who has emphatically dismissed speculation that the Egyptian forward might have a change of heart following Arne Slot's departure and Andoni Iraola's appointment.

The 34-year-old Salah will depart Anfield this summer after nearly nine years of service, with both he and the club agreeing to terminate the final year of his contract in March. Despite an outstanding title-winning campaign last season that earned him a new two-year deal, Salah's form deteriorated sharply during 2025/26 as age appeared to catch up with the experienced forward. He became increasingly ineffective under Slot and fell down the pecking order before publicly undermining the manager on multiple occasions.

Pearce has made clear that managerial change won't alter this outcome. "No chance," the correspondent stated, insisting that Salah received his proper farewell after the season concluded. He noted that the Egyptian himself initiated discussions that led to Liverpool agreeing to effectively rip up his contract, with all parties feeling the separation was timely.

"Arne Slot's subsequent exit and the appointment of Iraola changes nothing," Pearce explained. "Liverpool are focused on filling the Salah void this summer, and the Egyptian is weighing up his options as he prepares to embark on a new challenge at the age of 34."

Two New Forwards on the Radar

To replace Salah's departed firepower, Liverpool are expected to bring in two attacking reinforcements this summer. Yan Diomande and Bradley Barcola are among those being tracked by the Reds, with the club needing cover given that Federico Chiesa's future remains uncertain and Hugo Ekitike continues his recovery from a ruptured Achilles.

Beyond the forward line, Pearce indicates that centre-midfield and right-back also require attention. However, senior Liverpool sources have ruled out a return for Darwin Nunez, despite previous speculation about the striker's potential comeback to Merseyside.