Mohamed Salah will soon reveal his next club, with the Liverpool legend having departed Anfield after nine years as a free agent with plenty of potential suitors
10:12, 09 Jul 2026
Mohamed Salah during Argentina vs Egypt at the World Cup.
Mohamed Salah during Argentina vs Egypt at the World Cup.(Image: Andrew J. Clark/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Liverpool legend John Barnes says Mohamed Salah should stay in Europe when deciding his next club, even if that would probably mean taking a significant pay cut.
Salah has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia and MLS, while there has been interest in Italy and Turkiye too. Staying in Europe would potentially mean being able to play in the Champions League again next term.
"No other club in Europe is going to give him the wages that he wants," Barnes told Betfred. "If he wants to stay in Europe and he’s happy to take a decrease in salary, then fine.
"I don’t think he’s going to be the player he was, but even though he’s lost some of his pace, he’s the type of player that can adapt to becoming a creator and playmaker.
"I just don’t think a top club in Europe is going to give Mo what he wants, but I would completely admire him for taking less money and continuing in a more competitive league."
Longstanding Saudi Pro League interest in Salah has never gone away. The chance to snap hiom up for free would be especially appealing, with Al Ittihad bidding around $200 million (£150 million) for the player's services back in 2023.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 07: Mohamed Salah of Egypt looks dejected during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah looks dejected after Egypt's controversial World Cup exit at the hands of holders Argentina (Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Juventus and AS Roma are among those to have been mentioned as possible destinations in Serie A, though it is unlikely that either would be able to offer that substantial a salary package.
Until the last couple of weeks of the season, it looked like Juventus was going to qualify for the Champions League, before it missed out and only made the Europa League, impacting its finances.
Most recently, Fenerbahce has been mentioned as a suitor for Salah. The Turkish side would be able to offer a large salary, but also the chance to carry on playing in UEFA competitions.
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Fenerbahce's former board member, Ertan Torunogullari, claimed a few weeks ago that a deal was in place with Salah during his tenure at the club, with the Egyptian supposedly ready to make the switch.
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"He was very keen on coming to Turkey. The meetings we had were extremely positive," Torunogullari told Fotospor. "We had established common ground with him on many issues, including his salary."
With Egypt having now been knocked out of the World Cup, Salah is expected to confirm his next destination imminently.
Liverpool.com says: Staying in Europe would make a lot of sense. Salah is still good enough to be playing in the Champions League and he should try to do that for as long as possible.