Mohamed Salah is being discussed all around the footballing world as he prepares to leave Liverpool, with the most concrete links currently surrounding a move to Saudi Arabia.
As one of the most recognisable faces in the Arab world, the appeal of Salah to the Saudi Pro League is obvious. He’s also a pretty decent player as well.
There were suggestions that due to his age, Salah does not fit the Saudi League, though it’s hard to imagine teams aren’t tempted by the free transfer. They are, multiple clubs, but they are considering the viability of the deal.
Gerrard vs Howe, pick one to be Liverpool’s next manager! 🗳️
Steven Gerrard of Liverpool Legends inspects the pitch prior to prior to the Legends Charity Match between Liverpool Legends and Chelsea Legends at Anfield. Eddie Howe the head coach / manager of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Newcastle United FC at Etihad Stadium.
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One of the clubs looking is Al-Qasdiah, who are currently under the stewardship of former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.
Saudi sides sitting on the fence with regards to Mo Salah transfer
It was a Thursday afternoon update from Ben Jacobs that disclosed more details of Saudi interest in Salah.
Appearing on talkSPORT, he explained: “We know the clubs themselves would love to be able to sign Salah, particularly Al Qadsiah, where Brendan Rodgers is manager, Ali Ittihad and Al Hilal. Neom FC could enter the picture as well.”
Rodgers and Salah never crossed paths at Liverpool, but he must be licking his lips at the prospect of attracting such an ‘incredible’ talent.
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Jacobs has a caveat to the interest, though: “But the strange thing I’m hearing in Saudi is that the clubs would love him, they’re going to be able to finance it. But they’re reliant on central funding and central dealmakers are still actually debating whether there is value in signing Salah at his age and at his wage.
Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai during Liverpool FC v Galatasaray SK - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg
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“Last summer, they would have done it because they were negotiating the TV rights and they thought that they could sign Salah and get a really lucrative deal in Egypt. Now the central dealmakers in Saudi are less sure whether he’s still going to be the poster boy and have a return on investment.”
Salah has passed his peak value, but there is still a very good player in there and someone who will — for lack of a better phrase — put butts in seats. Sure, wages would be steep, but this is a wealthy league we’re talking about, one that has cash to spend.
Ben Jacobs runs through other Salah destinations
Personally, I think Salah should stay in Europe. He can still play in the Champions League and would thrive in a less intense league after nearly a decade in England.
In Europe, in Saudi, and especially in the MLS, there is no shortage of suitors.
As Jacobs explains: “Saudi sources sense that MLS are going to make a big push, and MLS sources think he’s nailed on to go to Saudi Arabia, and as a free agent of course there might be European interest.
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A seven-man shortlist has already been reported:
Desire Doue
Bradley Barcola
Nico Williams
Yan Diomande
Anthony Gordon
Jarrod Bowen
Michael Olise
Mohamed Salah warms up ahead of Liverpool's Premier League match against West Ham United at the London Stadium
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“I’m told that reports linking him with a move to PSG are wide of the mark. They’re past that Galacticos era. Within MLS, a fair few teams have ruled themselves out such as San Diego for example and New York City FC, but there will be franchises in MLS exploring that deal. Some think that Chicago might enter the fray and others believe that one of the two clubs in Los Angeles will be interested”
As I said, no shortage of options. And a new entry Jacobs didn’t mention are Galatasaray, who have reportedly formed a plan to lure Salah and Liverpool’s current captain to Istanbul.
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