Mohamed Salah recently brought an end to months of speculation surrounding his future at Liverpool by signing a new two-year contract extension that runs until 2027.
By the time his new deal at Anfield concludes, Salah will be 35 years old, and the Saudi Pro League is already positioning itself as a potential future destination for the Egyptian superstar.
“We are interested in all international players. Captain Mohamed Salah is definitely at the top of this list, and we are happy to have him in Saudi Arabia,” said Al Ahli president Khlaed Al Eissa in an interview with Egypt’s Channel One. “God willing, at the right time, he will be with one of the Saudi clubs.”
Al Eissa also remarked that “most players are looking to play in the Kingdom”, a claim that appears to be an overstatement rather than a reflection of the broader landscape.
Several football stars have demonstrated they are not swayed by Saudi approaches. Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes reportedly turned down a proposal said to be worth around £1 million per week. Likewise, Kevin De Bruyne seems more likely to pursue a move to Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States, should he decide to leave Europe. Christian Eriksen has also shown a clear desire to stay in European football, despite being mentioned in connection with potential Saudi interest.
Given that Salah is a Muslim and is originally from the Middle East, he is naturally seen as a particularly compelling target for the Saudi Pro League.
Michael Emenalo, former Chelsea technical director who now serves as the Saudi league’s sports director, previously confirmed a genuine approach for Salah during 2023.
“The stories that our teams went after him were true, it is true, there was an interest,” Emenalo revealed on John Obi Mikel’s podcast last year.
“It’s ok for me to have an interest in signing Mo, but [Liverpool] have to have an interest in letting him go, and if those things don’t align, you don’t have a deal.
“Fundamentally, Liverpool didn’t want to sell and what price were we willing to buy at? I didn’t feel the player was ready to come because he felt like he had unfinished business.”
— V.2 Editorial Team
