The future of Liverpool and Egypt superstar Mohamed Salah has once again become a major talking point, with a potential move to the Saudi Pro League looming as a defining moment not just for the player, but for the ambitious Gulf competition itself.
A League in Search of a Soul
The Saudi Pro League has made global headlines with its aggressive recruitment drive, luring global icons like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar with astronomical financial packages. However, the league's project is now at a crossroads, facing questions about its long-term sporting credibility and identity beyond mere cheque-book power.
Securing a player of Mohamed Salah's calibre, at the peak of his powers and still a Premier League force, would represent a different kind of coup. Unlike some veterans who moved for a final payday, Salah's arrival would signal the league's potential to attract elite talent still competing at the very highest level. The specific club linked is Al-Ittihad, based in Jeddah, who reportedly see the 32-year-old forward as their prime target.
Why Salah is the Ultimate Prize
For the Saudi league's architects, Salah is more than just a world-class footballer. He is a cultural icon across the Middle East and the Muslim world, a figure of immense popularity and respect. His signing would carry a symbolic weight that transcends the pitch, offering a connection with fans that goes deeper than previous imports.
The financial aspect remains staggering. While precise figures are speculative, any deal would likely involve a transfer fee demanding significant compromise from Liverpool and a wage package that dwarfs even Salah's current lucrative contract at Anfield. The project is bankrolled by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), which holds majority stakes in four key clubs including Al-Ittihad.
However, the challenge extends beyond the initial signing. Critics point to half-empty stadiums and a lack of intense, competitive atmosphere at many matches, despite the star names on the team sheets. The league's hope is that a figure like Salah could help bridge that gap, galvanising local interest and raising the overall profile and intensity of the competition.
The Stakes for All Parties
For Liverpool, the situation is delicate. They successfully resisted a substantial bid from Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023, but with Salah now into the final 18 months of his contract and at an age where his resale value will only decrease, the club faces a monumental decision. Do they cash in on a legend or risk losing him for free later?
For Salah, the decision is profoundly personal and professional. It would mean leaving one of the world's most intense leagues and a club where he is immortalised, for a new challenge in a rapidly evolving project. The allure of becoming the defining face of Middle Eastern football is potent.
Ultimately, the potential transfer is a litmus test. If the Saudi Pro League can attract Mohamed Salah, it proves its pulling power is not limited to players in the twilight of their careers. But the real victory will be if his presence can help forge a sustainable identity and passionate football culture, moving the narrative from "why they came" to "what they helped build".
