Mohamed Salah makes bold statement: “I can play until I’m 40”

Premier League dominance

Mohamed Salah finished the 2024–25 season with 29 goals and 18 assists, leading both categories across the Premier League. His influence extended beyond numbers — a goal against Manchester City at the Etihad, a hat-trick in the Merseyside derby, and a crucial late assist versus Arsenal showcased his ability to deliver in high-pressure moments. The Egyptian forward was rightfully named Premier League Player of the Season.

Saudi Arabia remains a real option

After rejecting a historic offer from the Saudi Pro League last summer, Salah admitted this year: “We were very close to an agreement.” Negotiations with Saudi clubs are reportedly ongoing. With Cristiano Ronaldo winning the Golden Boot at age 40, the league has become a platform for top-level performance rather than a retirement home. Salah, still recording elite fitness data, views Saudi Arabia not as an endpoint but as a potential new chapter.

Peak condition, backed by data

Conall Murtagh, Liverpool’s fitness coach, described Salah’s results in pre-season lactate threshold and VO2 max tests as “outstanding.” According to James Pearce (The Athletic), Salah continues to outperform many of his younger teammates in these assessments. This is Anfield also reported that Salah led the team in maximal capacity tests, including the six-minute run — a benchmark of cardiovascular endurance.

Redefined role under Arne Slot

New head coach Arne Slot has adapted Salah’s role to reduce defensive workload while maintaining attacking output. “I don’t have to defend as much now,” Salah said. “Slot understood that — and the numbers prove it.”

Slot supported this: “He’s top in our fitness data. That’s not talent — it’s discipline. He trains like someone trying to prove himself every week.”

His decision, on his terms

Mohamed Salah has not yet made a decision about the timing or direction of the final stage of his career. He remains in good physical condition and continues to perform at a high level. Remaining at Liverpool is still an option, as is a potential move to Saudi Arabia. Any future steps will be based on his own assessment of professional opportunities.