The football world is still reeling from the news of Mohamed Salah's impending Liverpool exit, but legendary striker Alan Shearer believes it's the right move for all involved. Salah, who confirmed his departure at the end of the 2025-26 campaign via a heartfelt social media video, leaves an undeniable void at Anfield. This exit marks the end of an era for Liverpool, prompting widespread discussion about his legacy and the club's future.
Key Points:
- Mohamed Salah's planned 2025-26 departure is a "right time" decision, according to Alan Shearer.
- Shearer labels Salah among Liverpool's top five greats, comparing him to Dalglish and Gerrard.
- Despite the huge void, Shearer is confident Liverpool will find another superstar, mirroring their historical ability to replace legends.
- The news comes as Shearer expresses concerns over Arne Slot's Liverpool defensive struggles.
Salah's Undisputed Legacy: A Premier League Icon
Shearer, speaking to Betfair, didn't hold back in his praise, declaring Salah as "one of the greats of Liverpool and one of the greats of the Premier League." He firmly placed the Egyptian King in the top five of Liverpool legends, alongside titans like Kenny Dalglish and Steven Gerrard. His goal-scoring prowess, assists, and trophies have been nothing short of spectacular.
"No one could have predicted what he's done," Shearer asserted, highlighting Salah's unique impact. The sheer volume of his contributions means Liverpool faces an "unbelievable gap" to fill, a testament to the forward's consistent world-class performances.
A Masterstroke Exit: Leaving at the Peak
At 33 years old, Shearer believes Salah's decision to seek a new challenge is perfectly timed. "It's better to get off the stage when people are shouting for more," the former England captain remarked, suggesting Salah is preserving his legendary status rather than fading away. A lucrative move to the Middle East, with Al-Ittihad reportedly keen, offers a less "ferocious" league environment.
This departure, planned well in advance, feels like a "mutually agreed" decision, according to Shearer. It allows Salah to explore new horizons while giving Liverpool ample time to plan for life without their talisman, ensuring a respectful and controlled transition.
The Anfield Way: Replacing Giants
While filling Salah's boots seems daunting, Shearer draws confidence from Liverpool's rich history. The club has repeatedly navigated the departures of "unbelievable greats" like Kevin Keegan, Ian Rush, and Steven Gerrard, always finding new superstars to carry the torch. This institutional strength suggests Anfield is well-equipped for the challenge.
"Good luck trying to replace him, that's going to be a difficult task," Shearer admitted, acknowledging the scale of the task. However, he remains optimistic, citing the club's knack for unearthing talent. The focus now shifts from Salah's next destination to who will inherit his mantle.
Slot's Reds: Navigating a Rocky Transition
The news of Salah's future comes amidst a challenging period for Arne Slot's side. Shearer voiced significant concerns after a disappointing defeat to Brighton, highlighting the team's "extremely tired" appearance and defensive disarray. Key figures like Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté looked vulnerable.
"They don't look cohesive in terms of how easy it is for teams to get through them," Shearer critiqued, contrasting their current form with the energetic, solid displays of previous seasons. This highlights the immense task Slot faces, not just in replacing Salah, but in rejuvenating a squad that appears to be "on their last legs."
