Former Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has seen his most likely next move take a potentially huge twist due to the departure of a key man
Mohamed Salah has been handed a Saudi Pro League transfer twist
Mohamed Salah has been handed a Saudi Pro League transfer twist(Image: (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images))
View 2 Images
Mohamed Salah joining the Saudi Pro League could have taken a huge twist after Michael Emenalo announced his exit as the league's chief football executive. The former Chelsea technical director has spoken publicly about wanting Salah in the Middle East with his departure possibly impacting where the former Liverpool star heads next.
The 34-year-old left Anfield at the conclusion of the 2025/26 season by mutual consent, despite signing a two-year contract 12 months ago following his stunning displays in Liverpool's title-winning campaign.
Having rejected a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia during his prime years on Merseyside, Salah is largely expected to join former teammates Sadio Mane and Fabinho, who are currently in west Asia representing Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad, respectively.
*FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE!All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook page*
However, that may not be as guaranteed as it once was with Emenalo moving on after three years in his role for the Saudi Pro League, as revealed by The Athletic. During that period, he spoke fondly about Salah with it clear he wanted the Egypt international to make the switch.
Back in October 2024, he said: “I think it depends on Mo. The stories that our teams went after him were true, it is true that there was an interest.
"But just like Victor Osimhen, it’s okay for me to have an interest in signing Mo, but the club have to have an interest in letting him go, and if those things don’t align, you don’t have a deal.
“Fundamentally, Liverpool didn’t want to sell and what price were we willing to buy at? We don't want to buy at a ridiculous amount.
"The most important part is if the player is ready to come. I didn’t feel the player was ready to come because he felt like he had unfinished business.
Mohamed Salah of Egypt reacts
Mohamed Salah is currently at the World Cup with Egypt(Image: Getty Images)
View 2 Images
"Very few players do it, but you have to leave the club in the right way. When you are at that level and you have done things, it's important to leave the club in the right way."
Al-Ittihad were the Saudi club that launched the mega-money offer a few years ago with that seemingly Salah's most likely destination now he is officially a free agent.
A move to the MLS or Turkiye is also a possibility while returning to Serie A could be on Salah's mind having played for Fiorentina and AS Roma. Joining the latter would also offer him the chance to keep playing Champions League football.
However, nothing will have been definitively decided just yet with Salah currently at the World Cup. Egypt face Australia on Friday in the round of 32 with the winner of that facing either Argentina or Cape Verde.