Liverpool's Egyptian striker #11 Mohamed Salah (L) fights for the ball with Lille's Brazilian defender #31 Ismaily (C) during the UEFA Champions League football match between Liverpool and Lille LOSC at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England. AFP
Despite maintaining exceptional form for the Reds this season, scoring 23 goals and providing 17 assists in 32 games across all competitions, Salah’s future at Liverpool remains uncertain as he enters the final months of his contract.
The 32-year-old forward's deal expires this summer, but he is now free to negotiate a pre-agreement with foreign clubs, though Liverpool remain in talks to extend his stay at Anfield.
Speculation over a Saudi Pro League transfer, however, continues to escalate.
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Sport, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, stoked further intrigue during an interview with Piers Morgan, set to air on the Uncensored YouTube channel.
The minister emphasized that Salah is the “big prize” for Saudi football and would be a transformative addition to the league.
“Well, definitely, because if he ticks all the right boxes, even for us, we'd love to have him. He's, you know, he's Egyptian, and we have a very good relationship, and we feel like we are one with the Egyptians as well, from our culture and our history, and so on. So, having Mo Salah or other players who are good role models would be, you know, a pleasure and a privilege to have in the Saudi League,” Prince Abdulaziz replied to Piers Morgan's question about whether Salah is the “big prize” for Saudi Arabia.
While acknowledging that clubs and negotiations make the final decisions, the minister underscored the league’s ambition: “Our goal is to rank among the world’s top five leagues, commercially and competitively. Collaborating with European partners will help us achieve that vision.”
Salah has long been a target for Saudi clubs, with Liverpool rejecting Al-Ittihad’s £150 million bid last summer.
However, recent reports now point to Al-Hilal as the frontrunners, particularly after they offloaded Neymar this month to free space for a marquee signing.
Sky Sports claimed on 16 January that Al-Hilal view Salah as a potential replacement for the Brazilian.
A move could also position Salah to headline FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup in the USA this June.
According to reports, Al-Hilal have tabled a staggering two-year contract worth £65 million, equivalent to £625,000 per week.
The offer gained traction after Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, shared an image of Salah in Al-Hilal attire on his Facebook page.
With Salah’s representatives reportedly stalling in renewal talks with Liverpool, the Egyptian icon’s future hangs in the balance, leaving Saudi hopes firmly alive.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
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