As Mohamed Salah’s legendary nine-year spell at Anfield comes to a close, Dutch icon Wesley Sneijder has paid an emotional tribute to the Egyptian King, urging him to choose his next destination wisely.
With the 33-year-old forward having played his final match for the Reds, the football world is reflecting on a career that has redefined goalscoring excellence in the Premier League.
‘Remarkable’ Achievements at Anfield
In an exclusive statement, former Real Madrid and Inter Milan star Sneijder emphasized that Salah has firmly secured his place among football’s immortals.
“Mohamed Salah has become a legend, and what he has achieved with Liverpool has been truly remarkable,” Sneijder said. “He deserves everything he has accomplished, and there is no doubt that he has become one of the legends of the game.”
Sneijder highlighted how the entire world has enjoyed watching Salah’s journey, noting that his influence extended far beyond the Liverpool fanbase to football lovers globally . The Dutch playmaker specifically pointed to Salah’s “strong commitment” and “continuous development” as key factors that kept the Egyptian at the top level season after season.
Those qualities translated into astonishing numbers. Since joining from Roma in 2017, Salah has scored 257 goals in 442 appearances for Liverpool, placing him third on the club’s all-time scoring list behind only Ian Rush and Roger Hunt .
His 193 Premier League goals are the most by any Liverpool player and the highest tally ever recorded by an overseas player in English top-flight history .
A Trophy-Laden Era
Salah’s trophy cabinet at Anfield is equally glittering. He spearheaded two Premier League title triumphs—one under Jurgen Klopp and another under Arne Slot—alongside Champions League glory, an FA Cup, and multiple other domestic and international honors .
The Egyptian also etched his name into Merseyside derby folklore, equalling Steven Gerrard’s record of nine Premier League goals against Everton—a milestone he achieved in what proved to be his final appearance in the fixture .
Earlier this year, Salah surpassed another iconic mark, netting his 254th goal for Liverpool to overtake Wayne Rooney’s all-time scoring record at Manchester United (253) . He achieved this in 432 games compared to Rooney’s 559 for the Old Trafford club.
An Emotional Farewell
Salah’s departure, confirmed for the end of the 2025/26 season, came one year earlier than originally planned following a reported breakdown in his relationship with manager Arne Slot .
In his final appearance at Anfield—a 1-1 draw with Brentford—Salah was substituted in the 74th minute to a standing ovation. He received a guard of honour from his teammates and staff, walking through the line in tears.
“I cried a lot, more than I did my whole life, but it’s very tough to leave a place like this,” Salah said after the match. “I’m not really an emotional guy—you guys don’t see that in the media that much. You always see me tough, aggressive. But inside, I’m like a baby” .
What Comes Next? Sneijder’s Advice
With Salah now a free agent, speculation over his next move has intensified. Saudi Pro League giants Al Ittihad and Al Hilal have both been strongly linked, with reports suggesting Al Ittihad has offered a €30 million annual salary to secure his signature .
Sneijder, however, cautioned that the Egyptian must think carefully before committing.
“Salah is no longer a young player, and he should think carefully about any destination he chooses in the next stage before making a decision,” the Dutchman advised. “If he decides to move to the Saudi League, that will be his decision, and the fans will certainly continue to follow him wherever he plays.”
The former Galatasaray midfielder concluded that wherever Salah goes next will attract massive global attention, whether in Europe or another league .
Europe Still an Option?
While Saudi Arabia appears the frontrunner, Salah has not ruled out remaining in Europe. Turkish giants Fenerbahce have reportedly held talks with the player’s representatives, though any deal would require a €90 million total investment over three years, including wages and taxes .
MLS interest from San Diego FC has also been noted, though American clubs would struggle to match the financial power of Saudi suitors .
For now, Salah’s immediate focus remains on representing Egypt at the upcoming World Cup. But as one of the most decorated and prolific forwards of his generation begins the next chapter of his career, Sneijder’s words serve as a fitting epitaph to an extraordinary Anfield reign.
“That hunger never drops,” Slot once said of his star player. “That professionalism, that commitment to the club—wanting to score again, always wanting to play” .
That hunger, perhaps, is what made Salah a legend. And wherever he goes next, the world will be watching.
