Richard Keys thinks Mohamed Salah will leave Liverpool in 2026, but will move to Italy instead of the Saudi Pro League.
The Saudi Pro League has been targeting Salah for some time now, and interest remains going into the next transfer window.
It was reported at the beginning of the year that they have made the Liverpool winger a top target for the summer, along with Vinicius Jr of Real Madrid.
More recently, it was mentioned that Salah’s agent has been in contact about a move to the Saudi league.
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Mohamed Salah shakes Arne Slot's hand as he comes off during Liverpool's Premier League match against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground (Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC).
Photo Creidt; Getty Images/Liverpool FC
Mohamed Salah could leave Liverpool to move to Italy
However, while all signs are pointing towards a Middle East switch for the 33-year-old, Richard Keys disagrees.
Instead, writing in his latest blog, the pundit has said that the ‘smart money’ is actually on Salah moving to Italy this summer.
He stated: “I’ve said many times big-money moves aren’t an exact science and that people can change their minds about what they want – right up to the moment a deal is signed.
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“It’s not long since I said an agreement to take Mo Salah to Saudi was done – and it was when I made that statement, only for the player to have a change of heart.
“Liverpool also had a change of mind about letting him go and were happy to offer him a new deal – but only for one reason. I’ve said this before as well – so they could get money for him rather than see him walk away.
“I think he’ll leave Liverpool at the end of this season, but I don’t think he’ll go to Saudi Arabia. The smart money is on a move to Italy.”
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Serie A clubs could struggle to afford Mohamed Salah
It remains to be seen if Salah will depart Anfield in 2026 or see out the remainder of his contract.
Whatever happens, though, it may be hard for any club in Europe to afford his wages, which currently see him take home £400,000-a-week.
Salah moving to Italy was discussed by Fabrizio Romano in December, but he pointed out that Serie A clubs can’t afford the Egyptian.
He said: “Today, no Italian club has even called for Salah because everyone knows that his salary is completely out of reach. Should he move, Salah would have very important offers from Saudi but it will depend on what happens in contacts between his agents and Liverpool in the coming weeks.”
Similarly, Barcelona moving for Salah in 2026 has also been played down due to financial constraints.
The player could, of course, take a pay cut to secure a move. But if he wants to have a salary somewhat similar to what he’s earning at Liverpool now, a move to Saudi Arabia does seem the most logical option.
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