Mohamed Salah had been linked with a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal - prior to extending his contract with Liverpool.
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah with the Premier League trophy.
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah with the Premier League trophy.(Image: Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images/Getty Images For The Premier League)
Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal appear to have significantly cooled lingering interest in Liverpool star Mohamed Salah as they turn their attention to signing Napoli striker Victor Osimhen. Salah has long-since been a target for the lucrative Saudi Pro League - with links first emerging to the Gulf state in 2023.
Al-Hilal's hopes of landing the Egyptian forward, 32, suffered another setback in April when he signed a two-year contract extension with Liverpool, easing concerns on Merseyside that their talisman might leave as a free agent this summer.
With Salah now tied down, there was next to no chance of Al-Hilal - or any Saudi club - securing his signature during this transfer window. While a move in 12 months' time could still be on the table, depending on how the 2025/26 campaign unfolds, it appears Al-Hilal are now opting to redirect the funds they had earmarked for Salah towards other targets - namely Osimhen.
Widespread reports in recent days suggest that Al-Hilal, who are set to compete in this summer's FIFA Club World Cup, are determined to sign Osimhen from Napoli. Their financial muscle gives them a clear edge over any potential European suitors.
Interestingly, the latest reports from GiveMeSport go a step further, claiming that funds now being used in the pursuit of the 26-year-old were originally intended to pay Salah's salary, had he opted to leave Anfield. Their willingness to redirect those resources could indicate an acceptance that luring Salah to Al-Hilal is no longer feasible, at this stage.
The article also points to a possible shift in priorities among Saudi deal-makers, with a growing trend towards investing heavily in younger players, rather than marquee names nearing the end of their careers.
While superstars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar were once the big money arrivals, recent moves - such as Al-Nassr's deal for Aston Villa's Jhon Duran earlier this year and now Al-Hilal's pursuit of Osimhen - suggest that the tide may be turning in the Gulf state.