In the high-stakes world of elite football, few names carry as much weight as Mohamed Salah. Yet, as the sun begins to set on his legendary tenure at Anfield, a storm is brewing that could see the “Egyptian King” depart in a cloud of fury rather than a shower of gold.
Reports emerging this week suggest that Liverpool’s hierarchy has internalised a staggering valuation for their talisman—one that has allegedly left Salah “exploding” with indignation.
The “Championship” Price Tag: A Legend Insulted?
The crux of the controversy lies in a reported £26 million (€30 million) valuation set by the club for the upcoming summer window. In an era where teenagers with raw potential command £60 million and veteran backups move for more, this figure is being viewed by the Salah camp as nothing short of a “slap in the face.”
> “How can you value a living legend at the price of a Championship player?” Salah reportedly vented to his inner circle. “This is an insult to everything I’ve achieved.”
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While the figure reflects Salah’s age (33) and the fact that he will have just one year left on his contract come 2026, it ignores the massive commercial and sporting gravity he still possesses. For a player who has broken nearly every scoring record at the club, being priced similarly to a second-tier prospect is a bitter pill to swallow.
Why the Low Valuation?
Sources within the club suggest the move is purely pragmatic. Liverpool is reportedly preparing for a “post-Salah” era under Arne Slot, and there are several factors driving the low number:
* Contractual Leverage: Salah’s current deal expires in June 2027. To avoid losing him for free, Liverpool must sell this summer.
* Wage Relief: Offloading Salah’s astronomical salary would free up significant funds for a squad rebuild, including rumored targets like Anthony Gordon or Nico Williams.
* Performance Dip: Despite scoring in recent FA Cup outings against Brighton, Salah has faced a challenging 2025/26 campaign, with a noticeable dip in his usual clinical output.
The Saudi Connection: The Only Way Out?
While the price tag may be a “disgrace” to Salah, it is a “bargain” for the Saudi Pro League. Clubs like Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr have been circling the winger for years.
In 2023, Liverpool famously rejected a £150 million bid. Now, they are reportedly willing to accept less than a fifth of that. For the Saudi giants, paying £26 million for a global icon is a no-brainer, especially as they prepare to offer Salah a contract package comparable to Cristiano Ronaldo’s, including ambassadorial roles and club ownership stakes.
Key Developments as of February 2026
| Factor | Current Status |
|—|—|
| Contract End | June 2027 |
| Rumored Asking Price | £26m – £30m |
| Primary Suitors | Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr |
| Potential Successors | Michael Olise (Bayern), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle) |
What Happens Next?
The tension at AXA Training Centre is palpable. While Arne Slot has publicly praised Salah’s professionalism following his return from the Africa Cup of Nations, the underlying friction regarding his market value threatens to derail Liverpool’s season.
Salah remains a competitive beast. He doesn’t just want to leave; he wants to be valued as the elite performer he believes he still is. If Liverpool refuses to budge on a valuation that respects his legacy, the “Egyptian King” might just decide to see out his contract and walk away for free in 2027—leaving the club with nothing but memories.
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