Mohamed Salah's anticipated move to the Saudi Pro League has taken a significant turn following the departure of Michael Emenalo, the league's chief football executive. Emenalo, a former Chelsea technical director, had been a vocal advocate for bringing the Egyptian star to the Middle East. His exit, announced on July 1, 2026, could reshape Salah's next career step.
Salah Leaves Liverpool After 2025/26 Season
The 34-year-old forward left Anfield at the end of the 2025/26 season by mutual consent, despite signing a two-year contract extension just 12 months earlier. His stellar performances had helped Liverpool secure the Premier League title in his final campaign, but he opted not to extend his stay further.
During his time at Liverpool, Salah rejected lucrative offers from Saudi clubs, preferring to remain on Merseyside. Now a free agent, he is widely expected to join former teammates Sadio Mane at Al-Nassr or Fabinho at Al-Ittihad. However, Emenalo's departure may complicate those plans.
Emenalo's Role in Pursuing Salah
Emenalo, who spent three years shaping the Saudi Pro League's football strategy, had openly expressed his desire to sign Salah. In October 2024, he told The Athletic: “I think it depends on Mo. The stories that our teams went after him were true, it is true that there was an interest. But just like Victor Osimhen, it’s okay for me to have an interest in signing Mo, but the club have to have an interest in letting him go, and if those things don’t align, you don’t have a deal.”
He added: “Fundamentally, Liverpool didn’t want to sell and what price were we willing to buy at? We don't want to buy at a ridiculous amount. The most important part is if the player is ready to come. I didn’t feel the player was ready to come because he felt like he had unfinished business. Very few players do it, but you have to leave the club in the right way.”
Emenalo's exit, first reported by The Athletic, removes a key figure who had championed Salah's transfer. Al-Ittihad had previously launched a mega-money offer for the winger, and that club remains a likely destination now that Salah is a free agent.
Other Potential Destinations
While the Saudi Pro League is considered the frontrunner, other options are on the table. A move to Major League Soccer or Turkey is possible, and a return to Serie A could appeal to Salah, who previously played for Fiorentina and AS Roma. Joining Roma would also offer Champions League football, a factor that may influence his decision.
For now, Salah is focused on international duty. He is currently representing Egypt at the World Cup, where the team faces Australia in the round of 32 on Friday. The winner will meet either Argentina or Cape Verde in the next stage. No definitive decision on his club future has been made, and negotiations are expected to intensify after the tournament.
