Jürgen Klopp thinks Mohamed Salah could keep playing at a high level into his late 30s or even until he turns 40. This comes after Salah announced he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season.
Klopp, who left Anfield in 2024, brought Salah to Liverpool from Roma in 2017. Since joining, the 33-year-old Egyptian has scored 255 goals for the club, ranking just behind Ian Rush and Roger Hunt on Liverpool’s all-time scoring list.
In an interview with BBC Sport in Liverpool before an LFC Legends charity match, Klopp called Salah an outstanding professional. He praised Salah’s work ethic, commitment, and recovery habits. Klopp said he wouldn’t be surprised if Salah played for another six or seven years, called him an all-time great, and said he was proud to be part of his journey.
Klopp and Salah won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, two League Cups, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup together. Klopp said their partnership was a perfect match. He admitted their ambitions were high, but even they didn’t expect to achieve so much. He wished Salah well and said his achievements and consistency for one club were extraordinary and probably unmatched in today’s Premier League.
Klopp also said Salah is one of the best professionals and people he has worked with. He remembered that while they sometimes disagreed, it was always for good reasons. Looking back, he said both he and Salah are grateful for their remarkable journey together.
When asked if the timing of Salah’s departure was right, even though he still had a year left on his contract, Klopp said the agreement seemed fair for everyone. He pointed out that Salah gave exceptional performances, was rewarded for them, and now has the freedom to choose his next club. Meanwhile, Liverpool will move on and rebuild.
Klopp admitted that Salah will be impossible to replace directly, but he encouraged Liverpool to change their style and try a new approach. He said Salah’s numbers are extraordinary, even for a striker. Instead of trying to copy what Salah did, Klopp said the club should focus on building a team that can succeed together in a new way.
Next season, Liverpool will start without Salah for the first time since 2016. At the same time, Klopp will join the home management team when Liverpool Legends play Borussia Dortmund Legends in the annual LFC Foundation charity match at Anfield.
