Mohamed Salah, one of the brightest stars of world football, is now a focal point of Saudi Pro League interest following a public fallout with Liverpool manager Arne Slot. The 33-year-old Egyptian forward has been notably absent from Liverpool’s squad, including for their recent 1-0 Champions League victory over Inter Milan, fueling speculation about his future at the club.
The rift between Salah and Slot became apparent after a frustrating 3-3 draw against Leeds United in the Premier League. Salah, who has been with Liverpool since 2017, expressed his frustration, accusing the manager of blaming him for the team’s lackluster form. He also openly admitted that his relationship with Slot had deteriorated, creating waves in the media and among fans.
Slot, however, denied any breakdown in their relationship and insisted that Salah could still return to the team. “There is no problem with Mo. He’s a great player,” Slot said, emphasizing that Salah’s future at Liverpool remained intact. But this situation has drawn attention beyond England, with the Saudi Pro League’s interest in the forward now openly acknowledged by Omar Mugharbel, the league’s CEO.
At the World Football Summit in Riyadh, Mugharbel confirmed that Saudi clubs were keen on signing Salah. “Mohamed Salah is welcome in the Saudi League, but it is the clubs that are responsible for negotiating with players. For sure, Salah is one of them [a target],” he stated. This marks the first time an official from the Saudi league has commented on the matter, following reports that Salah might leave Liverpool as early as January 2026.
Saudi interest in Salah isn’t new. In September 2023, Liverpool turned down a staggering £150 million offer from Al-Ittihad, one of the top clubs in the Saudi Pro League. Despite this, the recent developments and Salah’s public comments have revived the possibility of a move. Salah signed a two-year contract extension with Liverpool in April, securing his stay until 2026, but reports suggest he may seek new challenges sooner.
The possible transfer has sparked mixed reactions within the Saudi football community. While many see Salah’s signing as a major boost for the league’s profile, others are more skeptical. Al-Kholood’s chairman, Ben Harburg, expressed concerns about the fit of an aging Salah, stating, “He’s 33 years old, he got paid a boatload [at Liverpool] and has underperformed massively since then. I’m hoping we go after those 25-year-old next-wave players rather than guys like Salah, who this would definitely be the last stop of his career.”
Salah’s form this season has not been without its struggles. With only four goals in 13 Premier League appearances, Liverpool currently finds themselves in 10th place, three points behind fourth-placed Crystal Palace. Though Salah’s contribution to the club over the years is undeniable, helping secure two Premier League titles and the 2019 Champions League trophy, his recent form has been questioned by some.
Notable figures within the footballing world, including former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, have weighed in on the situation. Gerrard compared Salah’s current frustrations to the high-profile clash between Luis Suarez and Brendan Rodgers in 2013, a moment that also threatened to sour relationships at the club. “He’s obviously really upset he’s not playing, which I respect. A couple of lines about throwing people under the bus were wrong. He needs to deal with that with the manager,” Gerrard remarked, suggesting that the issue could eventually be resolved.
For now, the future of Salah at Liverpool remains uncertain, and the Saudi Pro League stands ready to welcome him if an agreement is reached. As he navigates this turbulent period in his career, Salah’s next steps could significantly impact both his future and the trajectory of the Saudi football scene.
