As the football world processes the news of Mohamed Salah’s impending departure from Anfield at the end of the season, former Nigerian international and Brentford defender Sam Sodje has backed the forward’s decision, insisting that the timing is “perfect” for a player who has given his all to the Merseyside club.
Speaking exclusively to Footy-Africa, Sodje dismissed concerns that Salah’s announcement might distract Liverpool from their ongoing pursuit of the FA Cup and Champions League glory.
“No, no, I think it’s perfectly right,” Sodje said. “I think he has given his best, and I think the club as well, they understand where he is. There’s nothing wrong with him saying it now.”
Salah, who joined Liverpool from AS Roma in 2017, has become the defining figure of the club’s modern era. Despite signing signing a new contract just before the start of the current campaign, the 33-year-old recently confirmed he would be leaving less than eight months into the new deal, sparking a wave of tributes from fans and pundits alike.
”The fans will miss him, the Premier League will miss him, but I don’t think he has any bad blood,” Sodje continued. “I think he’s going at the right time. It’s always nice to go on a high, and I think he’s going on a high.”
Aubameyang, Salah and three other highest scoring Africans in Top 5 European leagues
Legacy in numbers
The “high” Sodje refers to is backed by staggering statistics. During his nine-year spell at Anfield, Salah has shattered almost every scoring record in the club’s history.
As of March 2026, Salah is ranked 3rd on Liverpool’s all-time scorers list with total 255 goals, trailing only Roger Hunt (285) and Ian Rush (346).
The Egyptian has 189 goals and 92 assists for Liverpool in the Premier League —the most direct goal contributions any player has ever recorded for a single club in the division’s history and also Liverpool’s all-time top scorer in European competitions with 53 goals.
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He won a total of 8 major trophies, including two Premier League titles (2020, 2025), the Champions League (2019), the FIFA Club World Cup and host of individual honours.
When asked where Salah ranks among Anfield icons like Steven Gerrard and Ian Rush, Sodje didn’t hesitate.
”Oh, up there, up there with the best,” he said. “His numbers can tell you exactly what he has done. He’s definitely up there, top two. What he has done for Liverpool single-handedly—he won them trophies season in, season out. He will go down as one of the best players ever to play for Liverpool.”
”He lost his shirt”
Despite his legendary status, Salah has faced criticism in recent seasons, occasionally finding himself on the bench as the club navigated transitional periods. However, Sodje believes this is merely the natural progression of a world-class career.
”Let’s not read too much into it. Once your time is right, your time is right,” Sodje remarked. “He’s not the same Mo Salah of two, three years ago. We all know that; age has come as well. But what he has done—nothing can change that. Let’s make him go on a high. We’re very proud of him.”
Salah and four other highest scoring Africans in a single European league season
What’s next?
Speculation regarding Salah’s next destination is already reaching a fever pitch, with lucrative offers from the Saudi Pro League and MLS expected to be on the table. For Sodje, the choice should be guided by what the Egyptian wants for his “life after sport.”
”It depends on his mentality. Does he still want to go and compete at the highest level? Does he want to stay in Europe, or does he just want to go and relax and get more money?” Sodje pondered.
”If you ask me, because of the life after sport that I know, I would prefer him going to Saudi Arabia to make some more money. But that is a personal decision.”
As Liverpool enters the final stretch of the 2025/26 campaign, the Anfield faithful will be hoping for one last “Egyptian King” masterclass before the curtain falls on one of the greatest individual eras in English football history.
