‘He suffered’: Egypt legend blames Arne Slot for Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool exit

Last Updated on 25 March 2026

Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool exit has already triggered emotion, tributes, and reflection, but now, it’s sparking something else: questions.

Because while the narrative around his departure has largely focused on timing and legacy, not everyone is convinced it was that simple. Behind the scenes at Liverpool, there may have been more at play than just the natural end of an era.

And according to former Egypt international Haytham Farouk, one key factor may have tipped the balance.

Egypt legend Haytham Farouk points finger at Arne Slot for Mohamed Salah’s departure

Haytham Farouk didn’t hold back when discussing Salah’s decision to leave Liverpool. The legend placed significant responsibility on Arne Slot.

“I believe Slot bears a large part of the decision,” Farouk said to WinWin, suggesting that Salah “suffered psychologically” under the Dutch coach during the season.

It’s a striking claim, and one that cuts against the more diplomatic tone surrounding Salah’s farewell. Rather than a smooth transition, Farouk’s version hints at tension, discomfort, and a breakdown behind the scenes.

While he stopped short of framing it as a complete fallout, the implication is clear: this wasn’t just a footballing decision, it was personal.

As a player who has defined Liverpool’s modern era, that raises an uncomfortable question. Did the club let Salah walk, or was he pushed?

What next for Mohamed Salah and Liverpool?

Beyond the finger pointing, the real question is, what’s next? For Salah, despite a poor campaign compared to his extraordinary standards, he still has enough in the tank to stay in Europe. But financially, a move to Saudi Arabia or the MLS might appeal.

As per Salah’s agent, nobody knows where he is going, at least for now.

Only certain outcome is that Liverpool won’t be demanding a fee for Salah, as all parties agreed to mutual termination of the contract. Even without getting a fee, Liverpool will go into the summer £400,000 per week lighter. That is attractive enough to get the very best.

And, as far as Steven Gerrard is concerned, he has told his former club to make sure that they replace Salah with the very best. The likes of Michael Olise and Yan Diomande remain high on Liverpool’s shopping list. In any case, it promises to be another summer of change at Anfield.