Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah is set to stay at Anfield for the remainder of the season after a significant cooling of interest from potential Saudi Arabian suitors during the January transfer window.
Saudi Clubs Shift Focus Away from Big-Name Signings
The path for a mid-season departure, which seemed plausible after Salah's explosive comments in early December, has now effectively closed. Top clubs in the Saudi Pro League have reportedly scaled back their pursuit, sensing little opportunity to broker a deal this month. This shift in strategy aligns with a broader move within the league to recruit younger talent, moving away from the era of signing ageing global superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar.
Interest had previously been registered from Saudi sides Al-Hilal, Al-Qadisah, and Neom. While Pro League chief Omar Mugharbel recently stated that "Salah is welcome" in Saudi Arabia, a concrete move now appears off the table until at least the summer.
From Crisis Talks to Reconciliation at Anfield
The saga began when Salah unleashed a furious critique of manager Arne Slot following Liverpool's match at Elland Road in early December. The Egyptian king accused Slot of throwing him "under the bus" and declared he had no relationship with the Dutch coach, fuelling immediate speculation about a January exit.
However, the situation has de-escalated considerably since then. Slot and Salah held clear-the-air talks, a reconciliation symbolised by the 33-year-old being brought off the bench in a subsequent victory over Brighton & Hove Albion. Salah has since departed for the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt, creating a physical distance that has further allowed tensions to settle.
Slot addressed the situation after a win over Wolves on December 27th, stating his team selection against Brighton was a sign they had "moved on." He emphasised that the focus should now be on Salah's international duties and Liverpool's ongoing fixtures.
Financial Realities and Future Possibilities
Salah's current contract at Liverpool runs until June 2027, with the club paying him a reported £350,000 per week. This enormous financial commitment makes the wealthy Saudi Pro League one of the few viable destinations should he eventually seek a move.
This is not the first time Saudi interest has tested Liverpool's resolve. The club famously rejected a monumental £150 million bid from Al-Ittihad in September 2023. While the immediate speculation has quietened, the long-term flirtation between Salah and the Middle East is likely to persist, leaving the door ajar for a potential future transfer.
For now, Liverpool fans can breathe a sigh of relief. Their star forward, despite the recent turbulence, is going nowhere during this transfer window as the club aims to maintain its challenge on all fronts.
