Mohamed Salah Creates PFA History as Isak Skips Ceremony Amid Transfer Speculation

Mohamed Salah etched his name into English football history on Tuesday by becoming the first player ever to win the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award three times.

The Liverpool forward, who was already among the elite group of double winners alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Thierry Henry, now stands alone with a record third triumph.

Salah’s decisive impact in the 2024/25 campaign proved pivotal to Liverpool’s Premier League title victory. The Egyptian scored 29 goals and provided 18 assists, finishing as the league’s leading scorer.

Southgate and Hayes Honoured
This year’s PFA Merit Awards went to Sir Gareth Southgate and Emma Hayes for their contributions to the game.

Southgate was recognised for his achievements as England manager, guiding the national side to multiple finals and overseeing a sustained improvement in performance.

Hayes, meanwhile, was celebrated for her transformative influence in women’s football. She led Chelsea to years of dominance in the Women’s Super League before taking charge of the United States Women’s National Team, cementing her status as one of the sport’s most influential coaches.

Rogers, Caldentey and Smith Claim Top Prizes
Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers was named PFA Men’s Young Player of the Year after a breakthrough season, while Arsenal’s Mariona Caldentey claimed the Women’s Player of the Year award.

Caldentey will now be joined at the Emirates by teenage forward Olivia Smith, who became the first £1m transfer in women’s football earlier this summer. Smith, who won the Women’s Young Player of the Year award, is regarded as one of the brightest emerging stars in the game.

Liverpool Dominate Team of the Year
Liverpool players featured prominently in the Premier League Team of the Year, with Salah joined by Virgil van Dijk, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch.

Also included was Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, who enjoyed a prolific season and scored in the Magpies’ Carabao Cup final victory over Liverpool.

Isak Absent Amid Transfer Uncertainty
Isak, however, did not attend the ceremony, posting on social media that “with everything going on, it didn’t feel right to be there”.

The 25-year-old Sweden international has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool, but Newcastle responded by issuing a firm statement:
“Alexander remains under contract, and no commitment has ever been made by a club official that he can leave Newcastle United this summer.”