Mohamed Salah sends goodbye message to Liverpool champion after calling out fanbase

Mohamed Salah reckons Aston Villa are "lucky" to have Harvey Elliott after completing a deadline day swoop for the Liverpool star. The midfielder has moved to Villa Park on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy him permanently next summer for £35million.

Liverpool have retained a buy-back clause in the arrangement, but Salah has already said his goodbyes to Elliott with a heartfelt message on social media. Posting on X alongside photos of the duo, Salah wrote: "You'll be remembered for your loyalty and dedication every time you were called upon. You leave as a champion, and I've got no doubt you'll do big things at your new club. They are lucky to have you."

Elliott, 22, departs Liverpool following a six-year spell at Anfield after his switch from Fulham. He clocked up 149 appearances for the Reds, netting 15 goals, while winning the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Club World Cup during his time with the club.

He posted a lengthy farewell message to fans after his departure. Elliott wrote: "Thank you to everybody at the club for welcoming me from the very first day I arrived, and for looking after me ever since.

"Thank you to the board and Jurgen Klopp for helping me live my dream of becoming a Liverpool player. To Arne Slot, all of the coaches and staff who have helped me along the way and, of course, my team-mates - it's been a privilege to play with you all and I feel lucky to have made so many lifelong friends.

"To the incredible Liverpool fans. Thank you for making me one of your own and for always supporting me through both good and tough times. I'll always cherish the bond we have together. I will always have Liverpool in my heart.

"It's now time for a new challenge. I am incredibly ambitious and feel that at this stage of my career, it's important to be in an environment where I'm able to have the opportunity to play and progress as much as possible. Thank you all for everything. See you soon! YNWA".

Salah's message to the midfielder wasn't the first time he has commented on Liverpool's summer dealings. The Egyptian star took umbrage with some fans suggesting that swapping Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz for Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz was an 'upgrade'.

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Responding to a fan group, he wrote: "How about we celebrate the great signings without disrespecting the PL champions?"

Elliott faces a quick return to Merseyside as Villa travel to Everton in their first match after the international break on Saturday, September 13. Meanwhile, Liverpool resume their Premier League title defence at Burnley on September 14.