Mohamed Salah's departure from Liverpool is now being described as 'inevitable' by sources close to the Saudi Pro League, with powerful figures in the Gulf state growing increasingly confident of securing the Egyptian superstar's signature this summer.
Saudi Pursuit Intensifies Despite Reconciliation
Although Salah has recently reconciled with Liverpool manager Arne Slot following a very public falling out in December, the Saudi football hierarchy believes a summer transfer is now firmly on the cards. The reconciliation came after Salah's time away with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations gave both player and club breathing space to reconsider their positions.
'The air has now been cleared between Salah and Slot,' reports indicate, with the forward immediately returning to Liverpool's starting line-up for their 3-0 victory over Marseille this week. Slot himself praised Salah's professionalism, noting his remarkable fitness levels after more than a month away with his national team.
Why Saudi Confidence Remains High
Several factors are contributing to the growing Saudi confidence:
- Salah's unique status as the world's most high-profile Muslim footballer makes him an especially valuable target for Saudi clubs
- The Saudi Pro League recognises the need for a major signing this summer to maintain momentum, particularly with several current stars potentially departing
- Competition from Qatar's Stars League, which has already attracted players like Roberto Firmino and Marco Verratti, is adding pressure for a statement acquisition
The i Paper quotes a Saudi source who believes Salah's transfer from Liverpool to the Pro League is now unavoidable, despite Liverpool's previous insistence that their star forward is not for sale.
Contract Situation and Previous Interest
Salah remains under contract with Liverpool until June 2027, having signed a lucrative extension worth £350,000 per week at the end of last season. The club previously rejected a substantial £150 million offer from Al-Ittihad in September 2023, demonstrating their determination to retain their prized asset.
However, Saudi interest has never truly diminished, with clubs including Al-Hilal, Al-Qadisah and Neom all reportedly maintaining their pursuit of the Liverpool forward. Pro League chief Omar Mugharbel has publicly stated that Salah would be welcome in the division, adding further fuel to the transfer speculation.
Broader Saudi Transfer Context
The Saudi football landscape is experiencing something of a transition, with several high-profile players who were lured from Europe's top leagues now potentially looking to return. Players including Sadio Mane, Fabinho, N'Golo Kante and Karim Benzema could all move on in 2026, creating both challenges and opportunities for the Pro League.
According to The Telegraph, Salah and Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior represent the two primary targets for Saudi clubs this summer. The potential departure of players like Kante and Ruben Neves this month would only increase the pressure on Saudi clubs to secure a marquee signing to maintain their global football profile.
Despite Liverpool's public stance and Slot's recent praise for his professionalism, the growing consensus among Saudi football authorities suggests Mohamed Salah's Anfield career may be entering its final chapter, with a summer move to the Middle East increasingly likely.
