Liverpool Dismiss Salah Stay Speculation as Departure Plans Remain Firm

Liverpool have moved to quash suggestions that Mohamed Salah might reverse his departure from Anfield, insisting their plans to let the Egyptian leave remain unchanged.

The Merseyside club formally confirmed in March that Salah would depart at the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign. The announcement stressed the decision had been made to allow supporters to properly bid farewell to one of the club's greatest players. His nine-year tenure at Anfield will come to an end, with the forward having agreed terms on the split.

The statement at the time emphasised Salah's desire to make the news public swiftly, citing his deep appreciation for the supporters and his commitment to transparency regarding his future plans.

However, comments from goalkeeper Ahmed El-Shenawy, Salah's international colleague, have suggested the situation might not be quite so straightforward. Speaking to ON Time Sports earlier this week, El-Shenawy indicated the psychological toll of contemplating his exit could prove reversible, and that circumstances might yet shift in Liverpool's favour.

El-Shenawy claimed Salah had told him directly that uncertainty still surrounds his next destination.

Salah's representative, Ramy Abbas Issa, subsequently addressed the speculation via social media, emphasising both player and agent prefer to keep such matters confidential. He stressed they remain reluctant to discuss sensitive career developments with those uninvolved in negotiations, though acknowledged that public inquiries typically receive courteous acknowledgment.

Nevertheless, journalist Ben Jacobs has provided clarity on the club's position. In a post on X, Jacobs stated unequivocally that Liverpool harbour no designs on retaining Salah, despite El-Shenawy's suggestion that circumstances could evolve.

Jacobs also offered insight into the futures of other Reds players, noting that Cody Gakpo has not formally communicated any desire to depart, though interest from Italian clubs and Bayern Munich has been noted. Gakpo remains bound to Liverpool until 2030, with the club not actively seeking his exit. The Merseyside outfit has taken note of the £70 million fee Barcelona paid for Anthony Gordon when assessing valuations.

Meanwhile, interest in Salah extends beyond England's shores. Following newly elected Fenerbahçe president Aziz Yildirim's suggestion he could facilitate a move to Turkey, the club's football director Ertan Torunogullari has claimed Salah expressed considerable enthusiasm about joining the Super Lig outfit.

According to Torunogullari, discussions between Salah's representatives and Fenerbahçe proved extremely constructive, with both parties reaching agreement on several key points, including financial terms. He suggested that should the Turkish club's new administration pursue the matter, Salah would be prepared to don a Fenerbahçe shirt, with negotiations likely to proceed smoothly.