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Saudi clubs circle Mohamed Salah again as summer window looms

The Telegraph has once more lifted the lid on the Saudi Pro League’s enduring fascination with elite European stars, with Mohamed Salah again positioned at the centre of its thinking. The theme is familiar but the timing is telling. With contracts expiring, squad space opening up and a renewed confidence in the league’s pull, the SPL believes the coming summer offers a cleaner run at names that still define the global game.

At the heart of the discussion is Mohamed Salah, who remains one of football’s most recognisable figures. The report makes clear that inquiries have already been made, albeit with “no encouragement” given while the current window runs to February 2. The emphasis is instead on patience, with the sense that any decisive move would come later in the year. At 33, Salah stands at a crossroads, balancing elite European competition with the possibility of a new chapter.

Alongside him is Vinicius Jnr, whose stalled contract talks at Real Madrid add intrigue. His deal runs until June 30, 2027, yet uncertainty has been enough to place him firmly on the SPL wanted list.

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Contract cycles shaping Saudi strategy

A key driver is contract churn. The SPL expects several high earners to come off the books, creating room for fresh marquee signings. That includes former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane, now at Al-Nassr, and others whose presence has helped establish the league’s profile. Al-Ittihad, who tried and failed to land Salah two years ago, remain keen but constrained for now.

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One senior SPL source summed up the mood, saying, “Very important players will finish their contracts in June 2026 and the league will invest in new stars like Salah. My perception is that if it happens it will be the summer and not now.” That patience reflects a more measured approach after the initial rush of signings.

Global appeal versus league fit

There is confidence that Salah could yet be persuaded, particularly given how close he came before committing to a new Liverpool contract last season. The report notes fresh efforts following a difficult campaign, in which Salah’s camp felt he had been “thrown under the bus” after being dropped during a poor run.

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Legal and strategic adviser Francesca Petriccione framed the debate around legacy and visibility, saying, “The technical contribution and the global visibility that Mohamed Salah can bring to the Saudi Pro League is unbelievable.” She added, “This is about careers evolving and Saudi football becoming one of the legitimate stages of that evolution.”

Not everyone agrees. Al-Kholood owner Ben Harburg argued Salah would be a “bad fit”, adding, “If it were between him and Vinicius, I’d take Vinicius.” The contrast underlines how the SPL is still defining what kind of superstar best serves its ambitions.

Liverpool context and immediate focus

For now, Liverpool’s priority remains performance. Salah returned to the starting XI in an impressive 3-0 Champions League win at Marseille, after Egypt’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign ended in semi-final defeat. Head coach Arne Slot framed the moment as a test of unity, saying the team would show whether there was an “issue” between him and the forward.

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That performance was a reminder of Salah’s enduring quality, even amid noise about his future. For Liverpool, the balance is clear, extract maximum value on the pitch while navigating the long-term questions with care.

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Saudi interest in Salah feels like background noise that never quite fades, yet every time he returns to the pitch and delivers, it sharpens the argument for keeping him at Anfield for as long as possible. The 3-0 win in Marseille mattered because it showed that, even at 33, he remains decisive at the highest level.

There is also a sense that the narrative around him being “thrown under the bus” has been overstated. Form dips happen, and Liverpool’s evolution under Arne Slot has demanded tactical adaptation from everyone. Salah’s response was the most telling part, work his way back, start again, score, contribute, lead.

Financial reality cannot be ignored. If the summer brings an offer that redefines value, Liverpool’s hierarchy will listen, as they always do. Yet supporters see more than resale value. They see standards, mentality and an identity player who still draws fear from elite opponents. The idea of losing him because of external pressure rather than football logic sits uneasily.

Ultimately, Liverpool fans trust that any decision will be on their terms. If Salah goes, it should be with timing and succession planned. If he stays, it should be because he still believes he belongs among Europe’s best. For now, most supporters will take comfort in a simple truth, when Salah plays like that, the speculation feels very far away.