Saudi club Al Diriyah has officially entered the race to sign Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah, aiming to capitalize on his current status as a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Liverpool on June 30.
The Egypt national team captain has yet to determine his next destination, amid sustained interest from Saudi Pro League clubs, Major League Soccer (MLS), and Turkish side Beşiktaş, where negotiations recently stalled.
Al Diriyah Move to Secure Mohamed Salah
Al Diriyah has placed Mohamed Salah at the top of its summer transfer targets after the 34-year-old winger became available on a free transfer during the ongoing summer window.
The newly promoted Saudi Pro League side is eager to complete a marquee signing to bolster its ambitious top-flight project without having to pay a transfer fee to a parent club.
While negotiations have not yet reached the stage of agreeing on personal terms, salary, or contract length, Al Diriyah’s approach signals strong interest in persuading the Egyptian icon to continue his career in Saudi Arabia.
Al Diriyah represents one of the most remarkable projects in Saudi football, having earned back-to-back promotions from the Second Division to the Saudi Pro League in just two seasons. Their historic promotion to the top tier was sealed with a 2-1 playoff final victory over Al Ula.
The team is managed by Portuguese coach Bruno Lage, a former Primeira Liga champion with Benfica. The squad features French forward Gaëtan Laborde—who scored 24 goals in 26 appearances last season—alongside Cameroonian winger Georges-Kévin Nkoudou and Gambian defender Omar Colley.
Al Diriyah has further strengthened its roster by signing Bosnian international goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj, alongside Saudi players Hattan Bahebri, Amin Bukhari, and Saeed Al-Rubaie, demonstrating their intent to build a competitive side rather than merely surviving their inaugural Pro League campaign.
Ongoing Saudi Interest: Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, and Al Qadsiah
Saudi interest in Mohamed Salah is not new. Al Ittihad launched a massive pursuit in the summer of 2023, submitting a record £100 million offer to Liverpool, with potential add-ons reaching up to £50 million.
Salah was subsequently linked with Al Hilal, while Al Qadsiah recently emerged as a financially capable rival for his signature. Both clubs re-entered the picture following his departure from Anfield, though his wage demands presented an obstacle in recent weeks.
However, the financial landscape in the Saudi Pro League has shifted since the initial wave of major transfers in 2023. Clubs are now operating under stricter, more sustainable budget constraints, meaning offered salaries no longer reach the extraordinary figures seen previously. Consequently, any potential move for Salah to the Saudi Pro League may require accepting lower terms than those floated during earlier approaches.
What Happened Between Mohamed Salah and Beşiktaş?
Beşiktaş had previously emerged as the frontrunner for Salah’s signature, with club officials holding three meetings with the player’s representatives and offering a one-year deal with an option for an additional season.
Turkish media reported that the offer was later upgraded to a two-year contract worth €15 million annually, plus €4 million in performance bonuses and commercial rights.
However, talks stalled over additional financial demands regarding image rights and agent commissions, leading Beşiktaş to temporarily withdraw from the negotiation table. Despite the pause, the Turkish club clarified that their final offer remains valid should Salah’s representatives agree to the terms, though they ruled out any further improvement of the proposal.
With Salah’s agent, Ramy Abbas, dismissing recent claims of an agreement with Beşiktaş as premature, his final destination remains unresolved—opening the door for Al Diriyah and other suitors to make their pitch.
