Mohamed Salah’s contract with Liverpool expired on June 30, 2026, making him a free agent after nine seasons at Anfield. The 33-year-old Egyptian forward announced his decision to leave back on March 24, departing as the club’s all-time leading scorer: 257 goals in 441 appearances.

The final act at Anfield

Salah’s last match in a Liverpool shirt came against Brentford at Anfield in late May. Reported tensions with manager Arne Slot over playing style and role had simmered throughout the campaign.

Salah’s exit was a free transfer. Liverpool didn’t pocket a fee, but they also saved up to £26 million in potential costs that would have come with extending the contract of a player in his mid-thirties.

During his time at the club, Salah played a central role in helping Liverpool secure a record-equalling 20th English league title.

The crypto sideshow

A Solana-based memecoin called $SALAH emerged and saw trading activity connected to the forward’s performances during the 2026 World Cup.

The risk calculus here is straightforward. Memecoins tied to individual athletes carry all the standard memecoin risks — extreme volatility, zero fundamental value, susceptibility to pump-and-dump dynamics — layered on top of an additional variable: the athlete’s performance and public standing.