Mohamed Salah has become synonymous with Liverpool’s modern success, but not long ago, his future at Anfield hung in the balance. While fans were busy celebrating a historic season, the Egyptian forward was wrestling with a different reality behind the scenes — one where he might have had to say goodbye.

Now that a new deal has been signed and the Premier League trophy secured, Salah has spoken frankly about the emotional and professional challenges he faced during a tense negotiation period. His story sheds light on just how close the club came to losing its star man.

By any measure, Salah’s 2024/25 campaign was remarkable. With 33 goals and 23 assists in 49 appearances, he led from the front, pushing Liverpool toward their 20th league title — a milestone they reached with time to spare. Individually, the rewards followed: Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year, a third time for him, and a Golden Boot within reach. His name even sits prominently among early Ballon d’Or discussions.

But while things looked golden on the pitch, off it, contract talks had reached a standstill. As the club’s hierarchy remained firm in negotiations, Salah admitted he began to seriously consider the idea of leaving. “It was a strange feeling,” he revealed. “We were having one of our best seasons, but there was this wall between us in terms of the contract.”

He never imagined that a year filled with personal bests and team glory could also be one where his future felt uncertain. The tension was real — and so was the prospect of walking away.

Salah’s honesty gives rare insight into the mindset of a top athlete under contract pressure. Rather than let the stalled talks affect him negatively, he used the uncertainty as fuel. In his own words, the thought that this might be his final season in red made him “give everything” in pursuit of a title.

That mindset worked. Game after game, Salah delivered performances that reminded everyone — including Liverpool’s board — just how vital he was.