Mohamed Salah's Future at Liverpool in Question Amid Saudi League Interest
Reports indicate that Saudi club Al Hilal may pursue a transfer for the Egyptian star as contract negotiations stall.
The future of Mohamed Salah, forward for Liverpool FC, appears uncertain as speculation mounts about a potential transfer to the Saudi Pro League during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Salah’s contract, along with those of key players Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, is set to expire, and no agreements have been reached regarding contract extensions.
While Van Dijk is expected to remain at Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold is weighing his options between staying and possibly moving to Real Madrid.
In contrast, Mohamed Salah is increasingly viewed as a prime candidate for a transfer to Saudi Arabia.
Reports from various sources indicate that Al Hilal, the Saudi Pro League champions, are the likely destination for Salah.
This speculation has been fueled by Brazilian superstar Neymar’s desire to leave the club, as stated by the Express newspaper.
Al Hilal’s head coach, Jorge Jesus, has confirmed that Neymar has not been registered to play in the local league, potentially indicating an imminent departure.
This scenario positions Salah as a feasible replacement for Neymar, especially with Al Hilal's participation in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup scheduled for June and July.
Interest from Saudi clubs in Salah has been prominent, illustrated by a substantial bid from Al Ittihad during the summer of 2023. The club proposed a transfer fee of £150 million alongside a lucrative weekly wage of £1.5 million, a bid that Liverpool declined.
Al Ittihad was preparing to make a second bid in the region of £200 million, although this proposal has not yet been formally presented.
Salah's recent comments have also sparked controversy, as he hinted at the possibility that the current season might be his last with the club, further intensifying speculation about his future.
In the event of Salah's departure, Liverpool is reportedly considering a move for Antoine Semenyo, a 25-year-old winger from Bournemouth, who has made significant contributions this season.
Semenyo's transfer fee is estimated at around £50 million, and he is also being monitored by Arsenal as a potential replacement for the injured Bukayo Saka.
Should Liverpool decide to pursue Semenyo, they may face challenges in persuading Bournemouth to part with him, particularly given the club's strong performance in the Premier League.
As the transfer market unfolds and statements from players and officials continue to emerge, Salah's future at Liverpool remains open to various outcomes, with Al Hilal closely observing the situation for a historic opportunity to bring the Egyptian star to the Saudi League.