Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah continues to be the number one transfer target for Saudi clubs, even as the league shifts its focus towards signing younger players.
Salah’s future at Anfield remains highly uncertain, particularly after his shocking interview last month, in which he accused the club of abandoning him and admitted he has no relationship with manager Arne Slot.
Since his explosive comments directed at Liverpool’s hierarchy and Slot, speculation has increased about a potential departure for the Egyptian forward, and it may not be a distant prospect.
Over the past two years, several Saudi clubs, led by Al Ittihad and Al Hilal, have attempted to sign Salah. However, the Egyptian superstar has never expressed a desire to leave the top levels of European football for the Middle East.
Saudi clubs, though, have never abandoned plans to bring Salah to the league. His comments about Liverpool and his manager have brought him back into the conversation, although they first want a clear signal from Salah that he is willing to play in their league.
Younger players in the SPL? Salah would be an exception
In recent months, Saudi clubs have shifted their strategy for new signings, focusing more on younger players rather than ageing stars.
As Francesca Petriccione, legal and strategic advisor for Serie A, Premier League, and La Liga clubs with a focus on the Saudi market, explained, the league would make an exception for the 33-year-old Liverpool forward.
“The technical contribution and global visibility Mohamed Salah can bring to Saudi Arabia is incredible,” Petriccione said.
“Local clubs have reached a more mature stage and it is no longer about players coming to Saudi Arabia for money and then leaving. The aim is to help them develop their careers and for Saudi football to be a part of that journey.”
Cancelo latest star to leave Saudi Arabia
The Saudi league already suffered another major departure this month, as Joao Cancelo moved on loan to Barcelona.
The former Manchester City defender returned to La Liga after just 18 months at Al Hilal, having joined in August 2024.
Portuguese international Cancelo followed in the footsteps of other stars, including former Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran, who also returned to Europe, joining Fenerbahce on loan from Al Nassr.
This article was originally published on Top Mercato.
