Mohamed Salah
Image Credits: Getty Images
As Liverpool edge closer to their second Premier League title in five years, an unwelcome subplot continues to cast a shadow over what should be a season of unbridled celebration at Anfield.
The Saudi Pro League’s persistent interest in Mohamed Salah looms large, with wealthy Saudi clubs poised to pounce should contract negotiations between the Egyptian star and Liverpool falter.
The SPL’s interest in Salah is far from new but has intensified as the forward’s current Liverpool deal inches toward its June 2025 expiration date.
The Saudi pursuit of Salah dates back to at least August 2023, when Liverpool rejected a staggering £150 million bid from Al-Ittihad.
The contract saga comes at a particularly inopportune moment for Liverpool, who sit comfortably at the top of the Premier League table with 70 points from 29 games.
Under manager Arne Slot, Salah has rediscovered his best form, making him the frontrunner for the PFA Player of the Year award and driving Liverpool’s title charge.
And despite come reports playing down any interest, the Telegraphs’ chief football correspondent, Jason Burt, has claimed that the SPL still believe the Egyptian will end up leaving Anfield at the end of the season:
“The Saudi Pro League remain confident that Mo Salah is open to joining them.”
“A senior source insisted that Salah “remains interested” in SPL & although he has prioritised hearing what LFC have to offer, he believes the Salah will be signed this summer when his deal expires.”
Al Hilal, the reigning Saudi Pro League champions, have emerged as strong contenders for Salah’s signature. The club is reportedly prepared to offer the 32-year-old a lucrative two-year contract worth £65 million (approximately €77 million) per year.
This interest comes as Al Hilal seeks a high-profile replacement for Neymar.
A FIFA proposal to introduce an “exceptional” transfer window from June 1 to June 10 adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
This special window, designed to address registration issues before the Club World Cup, would theoretically allow Al-Hilal to sign Salah before the tournament begins on June 14.
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