Report: Mohamed Salah could be set for Liverpool exit with potential move planned | OneFootball

Salah’s Future Draws Saudi Arabia Back Into Focus

Saudi Arabia’s long-standing admiration for Salah has re-emerged as a live talking point, with the Saudi Pro League prepared, according to the Telegraph, to finance a fresh bid should the Liverpool forward decide the time is right to explore a new chapter. His absence from Arne Slot’s starting line-up in recent fixtures has naturally intensified discussion over what lies ahead.

The 33-year-old remains one of the most prolific forwards the Premier League has witnessed, yet his recent spell on the bench has prompted renewed uncertainty. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk’s reminder that no player has unlimited credit only sharpened the spotlight.

Shifting Dynamics Around Salah’s Valuation

Saudi interest in Salah is nothing new. A £150 million proposal from Al-Ittihad was turned away in September 2023, and last summer the forward held detailed talks about a potential free transfer before ultimately choosing to extend his Liverpool contract until 2027. That decision effectively reset the landscape.

Where Saudi Arabia had hoped to secure a transformational coup at no cost, any new deal now requires a transfer fee — a significant factor for clubs who have scaled back spending after an early wave of high-profile acquisitions.

However, Salah’s own account of negotiations suggests bridges were not burned. Speaking after receiving the Football Writers’ Player of the Year Award, he highlighted his strong relationship with league officials and admitted a deal would likely have been completed had he not renewed on Merseyside. That openness leaves the door ajar for future conversations.

Saudi Strategy Still Allows For Elite Signings

Although the Saudi Pro League has deliberately tempered its transfer outlay since its extraordinary influx of stars in 2022, the financial capacity remains intact for specific marquee players who elevate the league’s global profile. Salah, with his stature and international appeal, fits that brief perfectly.

With several early arrivals now entering the latter stages of their contracts, the next cycle of investment is expected to target figures capable of sustaining the league’s momentum as Saudi Arabia gears up for hosting the 2034 World Cup. Should Salah show interest, the resources to act are understood to be readily available.

Liverpool Balancing Evolution With Experience

Inside Liverpool, the situation is delicate. Salah’s tally of 190 goals makes him the club’s most prolific Premier League-era scorer, and his influence on and off the pitch has been invaluable. This season’s return of five goals in all competitions demonstrates he remains a key figure, but Slot’s recent decisions underline a subtle shift in squad dynamics.

The manager admitted his forward was not happy about being left out. For Salah, it marked the first time in his Liverpool career he had not started back-to-back league matches, a significant departure from the norm. Van Dijk stressed that such calls are part of the club’s pursuit of consistency, calling his team-mate an amazing player who remains integral to their ambitions.

The defender also highlighted the natural disappointment that comes with being benched, adding that Salah’s reaction simply reflects the mentality of an elite competitor.

Speculation Set To Build Ahead Of Summer Window

With two years still remaining on his contract and Liverpool shaping a new identity under Slot, the coming months are likely to generate steady speculation. Saudi Arabia’s interest is firm, financing is available, and Salah himself has never entirely closed the door.

Whether this develops into something more tangible may depend on his role under Slot as the season progresses — and whether the striker feels a fresh challenge aligns with his career trajectory.

For now, both Liverpool and Saudi Arabia appear prepared for a conversation, should Salah decide the moment is right.