Saud Al-Sarami apologises after calling Salah finished amid Saudi links | OneFootball

Saudi media figure Saud Al-Sarami sparked backlash by branding Mohamed Salah finished, then issued an apology that lauded the Liverpool winger as a global icon. According to Goal.com, his remarks came as speculation around a Saudi move intensified.

Reports have suggested Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad are leading interest from the Roshen League for summer 2026. This comes after Salah decided to part ways with Liverpool at the end of the current season to seek a new challenge outside English football.

Al-Sarami initially argued Salah had nothing left to offer and was not suited to the Saudi top flight. He alleged the current noise was a promotional push from some Egyptian media, with some touting Al-Hilal and others proposing Al-Ittihad.

He pointed to existing Egyptian representation, citing Nabil Emad Dunga at Al-Najma, saying the midfielder struggled to cope against Al-Nassr before going off injured. Al-Sarami even remarked that Salah would be better off joining Smouha in Egypt.

After the backlash, he apologised, saying he meant no offence. He offered apologies to pundit Ahmed Afifi and to Dunga, and said Salah is revered worldwide, with praise from Jürgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola and other figures.

Salah remains linked with clubs across the world, including teams in Saudi Arabia and in the American league. He is set to decide his next move after representing Egypt at the 2026 World Cup finals.

Source: Goal.com