Mohamed Salah’s future at Liverpool has reached a critical and unexpected turning point, with several leading clubs in the Saudi Pro League monitoring the situation closely. The interest intensified following the forward’s explosive interview at the weekend, which cast doubt over his relationship with head coach Arne Slot and raised questions about whether he has played his final match for the club.
Despite the growing speculation, Liverpool have not received any formal offer for the 33-year-old. In previous years, high-profile Saudi clubs such as Al Ittihad and Al Hilal have attempted to lure him to the Middle East, but Salah consistently demonstrated a strong desire to remain in Europe and compete at the highest level. That measured approach appears to be shifting, however, as the fallout from his recent comments continues to unfold.
Saudi clubs have recently adopted a new recruitment strategy centred on younger players, yet Salah remains one of the few exceptions they would pursue without hesitation. His global reputation, commercial impact, and proven track record make him an ideal figurehead for the league’s ambitions. But any move would only materialise if it became clear that Salah himself is open to the transition.
Back in September 2023, Al Ittihad submitted a verbal proposal worth £150 million in a dramatic late-window bid. The timing made negotiations impossible, but it demonstrated the level of interest the Saudi Pro League holds in the Egyptian forward. Earlier this year, prior to signing his recent two-year extension at Anfield, there were conversations not only with Saudi representatives but also with Premier League and European clubs exploring the possibility of a free transfer.
The option of remaining in Europe—perhaps even within the Premier League—has not been ruled out. This suggests Salah still feels he has more to contribute at the elite level and may not consider the present moment right for a move to the Middle East.
The situation escalated sharply when Salah delivered a candid and stinging assessment of his current position following Liverpool’s 3-3 draw at Leeds. He expressed confusion and frustration at being left on the bench and hinted that internal forces were working against him. According to Salah, promises made during the summer regarding his role have not been fulfilled, and his once strong relationship with the manager has deteriorated without clear explanation.
His comments, which included claims that he had been unfairly singled out, created a media storm and drew strong criticism. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher described the remarks as disgraceful and suggested they were part of a deliberate attempt to increase pressure on Slot. Carragher argued that Salah rarely speaks publicly without intention, highlighting that such mixed-zone interviews are usually carefully coordinated and strategically timed.
Carragher also questioned whether Salah chose to speak out during a moment of weakness for the team, following a damaging late goal concession at Elland Road. The timing, he argued, may have been designed to amplify the internal tension and potentially destabilise the manager.
Liverpool responded by excluding Salah from the travelling squad for the Champions League victory over Inter Milan. While the club has not issued any disciplinary measures, his absence casts doubt over his involvement in the upcoming league match against Brighton. Slot himself admitted he has no certainty about whether Salah will ever play for the club again, reflecting the extent of the rift.
For Saudi decision-makers, securing Salah would be a landmark signing. His representatives maintain strong relationships with influential officials within the country’s sporting hierarchy, and there is a belief among some insiders that the move is inevitable—though only when Salah personally feels the moment is right. Unlike previous years, Saudi authorities are adopting a more measured approach, focusing on sustainable contracts rather than offering salaries that far exceed European standards.
As the situation develops, one thing is increasingly clear: Salah’s outburst and the ensuing backlash have transformed what once seemed a stable contract renewal into one of the most significant transfer sagas surrounding Liverpool in recent years. Whether he remains at Anfield, seeks a fresh chapter in Europe, or finally accepts the long-pursued Saudi opportunity, his next move will be closely watched across the football world.
