Mohamed Salah is under contract at Liverpool until 2027, but the Saudi Pro League are looking to sign the winger this year.
The 33-year-old’s future at Anfield was first cast into doubt at the back end of 2025 when he hit out at the Reds after a 3-3 draw with Leeds United.
What has followed is continued links with a move to the Middle East in 2026.
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Yan Diomande gestures to teammates during RB Leipzig's Bundesliga match with VfL Wolfsburg at the Red Bull Arena. Bradley Barcola looks down during PSG's FIFA Club World Cup semi-final against Real Madrid in New Jersey. Nico Williams pictured in action for Athletic Bilbao in their Europa League semi-final clash versus Manchester United. Desire Doue during Paris Saint-Germain v Lille OSC - Ligue 1 McDonald's.
Credit: Boris Streubel/Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/David Ramos/Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
The Saudi Pro League have made Salah their top target for the summer alongside Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr.
It then emerged that Al-Ittihad opened talks with Salah’s agent about a potential move later this year.
Now, Virgil van Dijk has been asked about the future of the 33-year-old.
Virgil van Dijk wants Mohamed Salah to stay
Salah and Van Dijk have enjoyed much success at Liverpool over the years, including winning two Premier League titles and one Champions League.
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The duo are the elder statesmen at Anfield right now, and the Dutchman is keen for his long-time teammate to stay put.
As per Sky Sports, the centre-back admitted that while anything can happen, he always wants Salah to stay.
He said: “The full focus is on trying to make this season a success first and then you never know what happens.
“I always want Mo to stay because I’m a good friend and we’ve been through the highs and not-so-highs together for so many years.”
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Mohamed Salah scores a free-kick during Liverpool's UEFA Champions League match against Qarabag at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar
Virgil van Dijk responds to Mohamed Salah’s drop in form
Since returning from the AFCON, Salah has caused concern among the Liverpool fanbase.
However, he looked back to his best against Brighton at the weekend, scoring and assisting in the 3-0 win.
Now, Van Dijk has shared his thoughts on the criticism the Egyptian has received due to his declining goals and assists.
He said: “I think Mo is still so important for us. He is still a leader and important for me personally, as a captain, to have around and to have him on the pitch as his presence benefits the team,” he said.
“He always gives the team more than goals. There’s obviously a lot of focus on his goals at the moment and that’s also part of his life because he sets the standards so extremely high that when he doesn’t score as much he gets criticised.”
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