Salah Opens Door to Saudi Exit as Al Ittihad Enters Talks

Mohamed Salah has authorized his agent to begin negotiations with Saudi Pro League club Al Ittihad over a potential summer transfer, marking a dramatic turn in the Liverpool star's future at Anfield. The 33-year-old Egyptian forward is now far more receptive to a move to the Middle East than he was a year ago, sources say, following a turbulent December that saw him publicly criticize his treatment at Liverpool.

The development comes after months of tension between Salah and the club's management. In December, the forward spoke out about reduced playing time and claimed he no longer had a working relationship with manager Arne Slot. The disagreement led to Salah being left out of the squad for a match against Inter Milan before peace talks brought him back for a game against Brighton. While the immediate crisis has passed, the damage to his relationship with the club appears to have opened the door to a departure.

Background

Salah's connection to Saudi clubs is not new. The Public Investment Fund's heavy backing of the Saudi Pro League has made the region an attractive destination for aging stars looking for lucrative final contracts. Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Sadio Mane have all made the move in recent years, establishing the league as a viable option for players in their thirties.

Salah has been linked with Saudi moves before, but previous reports suggested he was reluctant about leaving Europe. That position appears to have shifted. Sources close to the negotiations indicate that Salah is now open to the idea of becoming the Saudi Pro League's standout player, a role that would come with significant financial rewards and guaranteed prominence.

The timing of these talks is significant. Al Ittihad has suffered recent departures that have weakened their squad. Karim Benzema left for rival club Al Hilal in January, while midfielder N'Golo Kanté was sold to Turkish club Fenerbahçe in the same window. Defender Fabinho's contract expires in the summer, and forward Moussa Diaby has attracted interest from Inter Milan. The club needs to rebuild, and Salah represents exactly the kind of marquee signing they need.

Key Details

According to reports, Salah's agent is actively engaged in talks with Al Ittihad. The negotiations carry a sense of optimism that was absent from previous Saudi approaches. Unlike last year, when Salah appeared resistant to the move, he is now described as "much more open" to a transfer to Saudi Arabia.

A deal would benefit all parties involved. Liverpool would receive a transfer fee for Salah, whose contract runs until 2027, allowing them to recoup money and reinvest in the squad. Salah would finally have control over his future at a club where his role has become uncertain. And Al Ittihad would land a top player to anchor their squad as they compete for the Saudi Pro League title.

"According to our information, his agent is in talks with Al Ittihad, and unlike last year, Mo Salah is much more open to an arrival in Saudi Arabia. This could satisfy all parties. Liverpool would receive a transfer fee, and Salah would be at the origin of the decision." – Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna

Financially, the move could represent a significant increase in Salah's earnings. Reports suggest his weekly wage could rise from around 400,000 pounds to 1.2 million pounds, totaling approximately 62.4 million pounds annually. For a player in his thirties, such a contract represents an opportunity unlikely to come around again.

The December Incident

The December conflict between Salah and Liverpool management has clearly left its mark. After the club's draw against Leeds United, Salah spoke publicly about being made a scapegoat for poor team performances. His criticism of Slot and the coaching staff was direct and unfiltered, a rare move for the typically reserved player. While both sides have publicly moved past the incident, the underlying tensions remain.

This friction has created an opening for Al Ittihad to pursue the transfer seriously. The club recognizes that Salah's frustration with his current situation makes him a realistic target, something that would not have been possible had the relationship remained stable.

What This Means

For Liverpool, the situation presents a complicated picture. Salah has been a cornerstone of the club's success since arriving in 2017, contributing goals and assists that have been central to their recent achievements. Losing him would represent a significant blow to their attacking options, particularly given that he has scored only four Premier League goals this season.

However, the club appears to be acknowledging reality. If Salah's relationship with Slot has deteriorated beyond repair, keeping an unhappy player could be counterproductive. A transfer fee, even if modest given his age, would at least provide funds to strengthen other areas of the squad.

For Salah, the move represents a chance to extend his career at the highest level of comfort and financial reward. The Saudi Pro League has proven it can attract top talent and provide competitive football alongside luxury living arrangements. At 33, with potential decline already showing in his statistics, securing a long-term deal in Saudi Arabia offers security and prominence that may not be available elsewhere.

The negotiations are expected to continue through the winter and into the spring, with a final decision likely coming as the summer transfer window approaches. While nothing is certain, all signs suggest that Salah's time at Liverpool may be drawing to a close.