The Saudi Pro League is considered the most likely destination for Mohamed Salah next season after his announcement of leaving Liverpool, and now the identities of the two Saudi clubs interested in acquiring his services have been revealed.
Salah will leave Liverpool next July after agreeing to terminate his contract by mutual consent. His next destination remains unknown, amidst rumors about a possible return to Serie A and interest from MLS clubs, in addition to the persistent reports over the past three years about Saudi Arabia’s desire to sign him.
Over the past few years, Salah’s name has been linked to several Saudi clubs. At times, he was close to joining Al-Ittihad, and at other times, Al-Hilal was said to be pursuing him. More recently, he has been on the radar of Al-Nassr, Al-Qadisiyah, and even Al-Ahli.
Two Saudi Clubs Want to Sign Salah
According to ESPN, only two Saudi Pro League clubs are currently interested in signing Salah this summer.
The first club to begin negotiations with the 34-year-old is Al-Ittihad, especially given the long-standing relationship between the club’s management and the player’s agent, Ramy Abbas, dating back to 2023.
Nearly two months ago, numerous reports surfaced revealing contact between Al-Ittihad and Salah, particularly as the “Tigers of Jeddah” are pursuing a comprehensive overhaul for the upcoming season, aiming to return the team to competing for various domestic and continental titles.
The second club vying with Al-Ittihad for Salah’s signature is Al-Qadisiyah, one of the wealthiest Saudi clubs currently, owned by the renowned Aramco company.
Liverpool is rewarding Salah in a very special way
Over the past two years, Al-Qadisiyah has acquired several high-profile players, and there is a vision for Salah as the new leader of the club’s ambitious project to win titles for the first time in many years.
On the other hand, Al-Hilal is no longer interested in signing Salah. The “Blue Wave’s” focus was on the 2025 Club World Cup, at which point Liverpool firmly refused to part with their player.
As for Al-Ahli, there’s a belief within the club that Salah’s services aren’t needed, given the presence of Riyad Mahrez and a host of other talented attacking players.
Despite rumors that Al-Nassr might be interested in signing Salah to replace Cristiano Ronaldo should he decide to leave next summer, the reality is that Al-Nassr is out of the running, and all such talk is completely unfounded.
Salah and Al-Ittihad: A Long-standing Relationship
In the summer of 2023, with the emergence of the new Saudi project, Mohamed Salah was a top target, specifically for Al-Ittihad.
It was reported at the time that Al-Ittihad’s management submitted a substantial offer to Liverpool, reaching £150 million, before Jürgen Klopp, then manager of the Reds, intervened and blocked the deal.
🚨| 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 Al-Ittihad prepared to offer a €150m package for Mohamed Salah. #LFC
Understand conditions remains same, 3-year contract — £300 net plus £26m bonuses per year salary.
More to follow soon. #AlIttihad pic.twitter.com/diYaKhyi8x
— Topskills Sports UK (@topskillsportuk) August 28, 2023
The following summer, Salah was close to joining Al-Ittihad again, but his good relationship with the new manager at the time, Arne Slott, led him to decide to stay with Liverpool.
During the early stages of last season, amidst his remarkable performances, he was also heavily linked with a move to Al-Ittihad, but ultimately renewed his contract with Liverpool for two years.
Al-Ittihad is the Saudi club most in need of Salah
Given the circumstances surrounding Al-Ittihad, it seems clear that it is the ideal destination for Mohamed Salah, as the Saudi giants are the club most in need of a star of the “Egyptian King’s” caliber in the coming period.
Al-Ittihad lost the services of their star player Karim Benzema last winter. There is sharp criticism of the management, and sporting director Ramon Planes may be dismissed. A big name is needed who can make an immediate difference and lead the young squad in Jeddah to fill the void left by the former Real Madrid legend, and Salah undoubtedly appears to be the most prominent choice for this purpose.
The Saudi Ministry of Sport will decide which club Salah will join
The Saudi Pro League and the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns a majority stake in the four major clubs, will play a significant role in this decision, but they are not the only ones.
Sky News confirms that the Saudi Ministry of Sport itself will intervene and will decide which Saudi club Salah will join, given the Egyptian star’s widespread fame and his status as one of the greatest Arab players in football history.
