Mo Salah's Next Move: Is Saudi Arabia the Perfect Destination for the Liverpool Forward?

Salah will only depart for Saudi Arabia during the summer if he successfully orchestrates a sensational last-minute transfer from Liverpool. Saudi Arabian sources have verified that Salah has been a desired acquisition for the Saudi Pro League (SPL), yet there is currently no sign of Liverpool being open to parting ways with the player.

Liverpool have not received any offers for Salah and have made it clear that the 31-year-old Egypt captain is not available for transfer. However, Al Ittihad, the Saudi champions, have expressed their willingness to offer Salah a salary package worth approximately £1.5m per week, making him one of the highest-paid players globally.

Additionally, the Saudi Pro League club has shown persistence in their pursuit of Salah, even after the player's agent, Ramy Abbas Issa, assured in August that Salah is dedicated to Liverpool. They are even willing to offer Liverpool a transfer fee exceeding £100m.

Salah's popularity as an Arab player surpasses all others globally, and a potential move to Saudi Arabia would greatly enhance the reputation of the SPL, as it strives to become one of the premier leagues in the world at an accelerated pace. Last summer, Salah secured a record-breaking three-year contract with Liverpool, earning £350,000 per week, solidifying his position as the highest-paid player in the club's history.

Al Ittihad is among the four SPL clubs that are owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund.

In October of last year, PIF announced sponsorship agreements with Saudi clubs amounting to £1.8bn.

All clubs in the SPL receive financial support from the government, resulting in a system of central control over player transfers. The SPL and its director of football, Michael Emenalo, hold the authority to approve deals and actively assist clubs in strategizing their squads and identifying potential signings.

Al Ittihad will participate in the FIFA Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia in December, alongside Manchester City. Salah is anticipated to compete for Liverpool against Newcastle United, a team predominantly owned by PIF, on Sunday. The match will be broadcasted live on We.

Newcastle United

Liverpool

Sunday 27th August 4:00pm

Kick off 4:30pm

Salah's former team-mates Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino have already moved to Saudi Arabia this summer.

It has been known for some time now that they are interested in signing Salah, but Liverpool has made it clear that he is not available for sale.

Salah's agent confirmed his commitment to Liverpool on social media when reports of their interest first surfaced a month ago. This reaffirmed his position, as he had already signed a new contract with the club last summer.

The contract not only makes him the highest-paid player at Liverpool but also has a remaining duration of two years. It is evident that Liverpool is adamant about not selling him. However, as observed throughout the entire summer, these Saudi Pro League clubs are relentless in their pursuit of desired players and are willing to go to any extent to secure their signatures.

"They have no intention of giving up, and the Saudi transfer window, which extends for several days beyond our own, adds to the instability faced by Liverpool. However, this is a situation that all European clubs have had to adapt to. The Saudi Pro League is a permanent fixture, boasting ample financial resources that enable them to compete in acquiring the world's top players.

"I strongly believe that Mo Salah is not up for sale. He holds the title as Liverpool's highest-earning player. Jurgen Klopp is keen on retaining Salah, particularly in these final days of the transfer window. Klopp recently expressed his dissatisfaction with the fact that the Saudi transfer window continues after the closure of the Premier League window. He voiced concerns about the possibility of Saudi clubs poaching players from Premier League clubs, leaving them unable to find suitable replacements."

Should Al Ittihad make an attempt to secure Salah's signing after the upcoming Friday, Klopp's worst fears will materialize.

Given that Saudi clubs operate on a distinct transfer window schedule compared to Premier League clubs, Al Ittihad's pursuit of the player can be considered fair and within their rights.

Is there a point where every player becomes valuable enough to tempt Liverpool to sell? The club has not yet hinted at such a scenario.

Throughout this summer, Saudi clubs have repeatedly targeted players and offered them immense sums of money. These amounts are astonishing, and we have been informed that some players, who were initially hesitant to leave, are now being enticed with upfront tax-free payments equal to 50 percent of their entire contract.

'Salah is just not for sale'

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