Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has opened up on the contract negotiations that saw him pen a new two-year deal to keep him at Anfield until 2027, also revealing talks with a club in Saudi Arabia
10:47, 26 May 2025
Mohamed Salah applauds the traveling Liverpool fans at Brighton
Mohamed Salah almost moved to the Saudi Pro League(Image: Getty Images)
Mohamed Salah has spilled the beans on nearly making a stunning move to Saudi Arabia before choosing to stick with the Reds until 2027.
With rumours swirling, Salah put them to bed relatively late in the season by committing to another two years at Anfield. Yet he admits that the allure of the Saudi Pro League was real, saying this weekend: "I thought there was a good opportunity to join the Saudi Pro League.
Salah added that he would have considered it if Liverpool hadn't offered a new contract. "My relationship with people there [in Saudi Arabia] is still good and ongoing. There were serious negotiations to sign me."
In contrast, Salah shot down any notions that he was close to signing with La Liga giants Barcelona or Real Madrid amidst his contract talks. Fielding questions on these speculations, Salah quipped: "There was nothing."
The Egyptian superstar also highlighted the critical role of the Kop in hurrying along his contract renewal, as he told ON Sport and as translated by the Daily Mail.
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah with the Premier League trophy.
Mohamed Salah won the Premier League with Liverpool this season(Image: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
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He said: "Liverpool fans were part of the contract renewal process," mentioning their influence on pressuring management due to his longstanding seven-year stint at the club, reports Liverpool.com.
Despite his desire to stay being clear throughout the season, it wasn't until April that Salah's future at Liverpool was finally cemented.
"Of course I'm very excited - we have a great team now," Salah gushed as his new deal was inked. "Before we also had a great team, but I signed because I think we have a chance to win other trophies and enjoy my football.
Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah signed a new deal with Liverpool last month(Image: Paul Greenwood/Shutterstock)
"I have played eight years here; hopefully it's going to be 10. I'm enjoying my life here, enjoying my football. I have had the best years of my career here."
Off the heels of a belter season, Salah is tipped for a shot at nabbing the Ballon d'Or this year. Had Liverpool made a deeper run in the Champions League, his odds might've been even better, reckons Arne Slot, who's adamant Salah ought to be in the mix.
"He's had very, very, very good seasons at Liverpool but this one probably stands out in terms of numbers," Slot commented on Friday. "And if you add to that we also won the league, that would probably give him a fair chance.
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"But thankfully for footie enthusiasts worldwide, he ain't the only bloke who's played out of his skin this season. There's been a cracking show from some ace players this term.
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"But if Salah's ever gonna clinch it, this season's his prime time. If he misses out, trust him to come back all guns blazing next season. That much I can vouch for him."