Saudi Pro League clubs cool interest in Mohamed Salah

Saudi Pro League Clubs Cool Interest in Mohamed Salah

Recent reports indicate that Saudi Pro League (SPL) clubs have tempered their pursuit of Liverpool star Mohamed Salah amid shifting strategies and the player's ongoing contract situation.[1][2][3]

Salah, 33, extended his Liverpool contract until 2027 last summer, rejecting a £150 million bid from Al-Ittihad in 2023. Despite past "serious" talks with SPL officials, Liverpool holds firm control.[1][3] Tensions arose after Salah's public fallout with manager Arne Slot, including being benched multiple times, accusations of being "thrown under the bus," and exclusion from a Champions League squad against Inter Milan.[1][2][5] Salah hinted at uncertainty, inviting family to Anfield potentially as a "goodbye" before the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).[4][5]

SPL CEO Omar Mugharbel confirmed interest at the World Football Summit, stating clubs are keen but negotiations are club-led. However, enthusiasm has cooled: SPL now prioritizes younger "next-wave" talents over aging stars, with Al Kholood's chairman calling Salah a "bad fit" as a potential career finale.[2][3] Clubs like Al-Ittihad and Al Hilal—both backed by Saudi's Public Investment Fund—remain frontrunners if Salah signals readiness, but no formal approaches have reached Liverpool.[3][4]

Senior SPL figures express confidence in a future deal, possibly January 2026 or summer, but emphasize no overpayment beyond European salaries. Salah's Arab heritage and stature make him ideal, yet Liverpool's poor form (nine defeats in 15 games) and his benchings have fueled speculation without concrete bids.[1][3][4]

Salah returned as a substitute against Brighton post-Inter snub, but emotions ran high. At AFCON with Egypt, he's scoring again, potentially delaying decisions. SPL's 2023 spending spree has slowed, focusing strategically—Salah may wait for the right moment rather than force an exit now.[1][5]

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