Mohamed Salah given surprise offer to join Spanish capital giants | OneFootball

Mohamed Salah is no longer a Liverpool player.

The Egyptian King, 34, reached an agreement to rip up his £400k per week contract one year early.

Following a falling out with former head coach Arne Slot it was decided that Salah’s 2025/26 campaign would be his last in red. Now the two-time African footballer of the year becomes one of the hottest free agent names on the market.

Long thought of as an inevitable signing for the Saudi Pro League Salah’s future no longer appears as clear-cut as that. Al-Ittihad wanted to sign him in 2023 for £150m and retain an interest while Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal could also come to the fore in negotiations.

Teams in MLS will also try their case for Salah - with it previously mooted that Inter Miami could be on the cards.

Salah would prefer to stay in Europe for now

Salah however believes he’s still got a lot to offer at the top level. Roma and Juventus from Serie A are both known to be keen - but would struggle to match the left-footed forward’s financial demands.

Galatasaray and Fenerbahce - Turkish rivals - would each take Salah on if given a chance meanwhile with Fener in particular assumed to be pushing hard. And now a new European superclub has emerged on the scene in the shape of Atletico Madrid.

Atletico Madrid want Salah to replace Griezmann

Antoine Griezmann’s departure for Orlando FC in MLS opens a sizeable gap in Diego Simeone’s lineup and salary budget too. And according to a report in Fichajes in Spain Atleti see Salah as the ideal candidate to unlock deep defences and aid with their attack.

“Mohamed Salah has become one of the most sought-after names in the transfer market for Atlético Madrid, who are looking for a new star after the departure of Antoine Griezmann,” the report reads.

“The Egyptian, a free agent after leaving Liverpool, represents a huge opportunity for a club aiming to compete for every title once again.”

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Atletico represent a top-level opportunity for Salah

Salah would of course welcome the opportunity to stay at the elite level - with Atletico pushing for honours in both the Spanish top flight as well as the Champions League.

“The player's desire to try his luck in the Spanish league could play a significant role,” the report reads.

“Saudi Arabia and other markets might offer more money, but LaLiga would provide him with competitiveness.

“European exposure, and the chance to continue fighting for major titles. For Atlético, that argument is key.”

Salah was banking over £20m per year on his last Liverpool deal and has reportedly been offered similar sums to play for teams in Saudi Arabia.

He will soon be free to decide his fate with the Pharaohs of Egypt coming to their end of a FIFA World Cup trip to North America.