Liverpool's star forward Mohamed Salah has caught the attention of clubs in the Saudi Pro League, who believe they could even pull off a loan deal next month. The Egyptian international caused a stir with his explosive post-match interview following the Reds' 3-3 draw with Leeds United, where he claimed to have been "thrown under the bus" after being benched by manager Arne Slot. He also hinted that the upcoming match against Brighton could be his last for the club.
Following these comments, Salah was left out of the squad for Liverpool's 1-0 Champions League victory away at Inter Milan. Despite signing a new contract in April that made him Liverpool's highest earner, Saudi Pro League teams are now keeping a close eye on his situation.
Omar Mugharbel, the chief executive of the Saudi Pro League, confirmed at the World Football Summit in Riyadh: "Mohamed Salah is welcome in the Saudi League, but it is the clubs that are responsible for negotiating with players. For sure Salah is one of them [a target]."
A source from the Public Investment Fund (PIF) also told the AFP news agency: "We follow Salah's position thoroughly and believe there can be a move either on loan or through a permanent transfer. There are no direct negotiations with the club yet, but action will be taken at the right moment."
The PIF has stakes in Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad, while Al-Qadsiah has also been suggested as a potential destination for Salah.
Slot declined to discuss Salah's Liverpool future after Tuesday's victory over Inter, though he appeared to soften his position on the controversy that has overshadowed recent days.
Speaking to Amazon Prime Video, he commented: "First you have to ask if the player feels he made a mistake. I'm going to talk to him. But then you have to ask, 'Should the initiative come from me?'"
However, during his post-match press conference, he clarified: "I didn't say who should make the first step. Tonight it should be all about the players that are here. In the rich history Liverpool has had, they have had many of these evenings."