Mohamed Salah’s Future Uncertain as Liverpool Exit Looms
“We do not recognize where Mohamed will play next season,” Mohamed Salah’s agent, Ramy Abbas Issa, said on social media on Tuesday. “This also means that no one else knows. Beware of the attention seekers.”
A worthy warning, but one that arrives as the Liverpool legend has confirmed he is leaving Anfield at the end of this season. While attention will focus on whether he can end his hugely successful nine-year spell with a trophy, global interest centers on his next destination.
Saudi Arabia Emerges as a Leading Contender
His former teammates Sadio Mané and Roberto Firmino have moved to Saudi Arabia (though with varying degrees of success, as Mané continues to perform well at Al-Nassr and Firmino has moved to Qatar), and it is a path Salah may also take.
The Saudi media is hopeful, believing the country is in a strong position to secure his signature. Interest has been significant since 2023, when the Saudi Pro League (SPL) began investing heavily in star players. Following Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr, players like Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, Neymar, and Riyad Mahrez also joined clubs in Riyadh and Jeddah.
While most of these players remain in the SPL, clubs have begun shifting their focus towards younger players. This change aligns with reported cutbacks in spending in other areas, though the ambition to establish the SPL as a major international league remains.
Maintaining Global Interest in the Saudi Pro League
Sustaining global interest is challenging, even with the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo, whose marketing impact diminishes over time. The question of the league’s future after Ronaldo’s departure is a key concern. Salah would be a significant addition, not only as a top-class player but also as the most recognizable name in Middle Eastern sport.
For the five clubs financially capable of acquiring Salah, there are both footballing and strategic reasons to pursue him. Al-Ittihad, having previously made offers, could be a frontrunner. However, the defending champions have had a disappointing season, exacerbated by the loss of Benzema to Al-Hilal in January. This creates an opportunity for Salah to fill a star-player void in Jeddah.
Al-Ahli, also based in Jeddah, are Asian champions and boast Mahrez in good form. In the capital, Al-Hilal is another possibility, though their right-wing position is occupied by Malcom, whose form has been inconsistent. Al-Hilal, the most successful club in Saudi Arabia and Asia, could also make a compelling case. However, a move for Salah would mean he would be the youngest of the forward three at the club.
Other Potential Suitors and Considerations
Recent reports indicate Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly went on strike this season, believing Al-Nassr wasn’t receiving the same support as other PIF-backed clubs. This adds another layer of complexity, and his reaction to Salah joining rival Al-Hilal would be noteworthy. Al-Nassr, currently top of the league, is also a contender, and reuniting Ronaldo and Salah, along with Mané, would be an intriguing prospect.
Al-Qadsiah, backed by Aramco, is also emerging as a force in the league under Brendan Rodgers. The club is seeking a global superstar to elevate its profile.
Beyond the footballing aspects, the religious significance of playing in a Muslim country is also a factor, as highlighted by Benzema upon joining Al-Ittihad.
Salah’s Legacy and the Future of the SPL
Regardless of his destination, if Salah joins a Saudi Arabian club this summer, he is poised to become the face of the league for years to reach. Liverpool’s legend will undoubtedly shape the future of football in the region.