Mohamed Salah as Benzema's replacement at Al-Ittihad: Details of the deal of the season
In a remarkable development in the corridors of the global transfer market, the name of Egyptian star Mohamed Salah, the icon of Liverpool FC, has once again come to the forefront as the most prominent candidate to join the Saudi Professional League, specifically through Al-Ittihad Club, during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Recent press reports, most notably those published by the Portuguese newspaper “A Bola”, revealed that the management of Al-Ittihad Club places the “Egyptian Pharaoh” at the top of its highest priorities, to be the main pillar of the new project for the team, and the strategic alternative to compensate for the expected departure of the French star Karim Benzema.
The end of an era at Anfield
This renewed interest comes at a time when indications suggest that Mohamed Salah's historic journey at Anfield may be nearing its end. The Egyptian star, who joined Liverpool in the 2017-2018 season, has etched his name in the club's history, contributing to the Reds' return to glory by winning the Premier League title after a long absence, securing the Champions League trophy, and winning numerous individual awards such as the Golden Boot.
However, the Portuguese newspaper pointed out that the current season has seen a noticeable strain in the relationship between the player and the club, despite his previous contract renewal. The situation worsened after Salah's public statements last December, which were interpreted as an expression of deep-seated dissatisfaction with the way the management was treating him, thus opening the door wide to speculation about his future.
The Saudi League project and the search for the missing piece
Al-Ittihad's interest in signing Salah is not a recent development. In the summer of 2023, the world witnessed a major negotiation saga as the club's management attempted to bring the Egyptian star to Jeddah. However, Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp and his administration's insistence on keeping the player prevented the deal from being finalized at that time. Today, with the changing technical and administrative landscape, Al-Ittihad seems more determined than ever to secure this transfer, which is described as a "dream" for Saudi and Arab fans.
The signing of Mohamed Salah is seen not only as a huge technical addition to compensate for a striker of Karim Benzema’s caliber, but also as a huge marketing and public relations move for the Roshan League, given the overwhelming popularity the player enjoys in the Arab region and the world.
Contract details and market value
Contractually, Mohamed Salah is under contract with Liverpool until June 30, 2027. Despite his age, the player still retains a high market value estimated at around 30 million euros according to the global website “Transfermarkt”, a figure that seems within reach for Saudi clubs wishing to attract the world’s elite stars.
Sports fans are eagerly awaiting the coming months, which may witness the end of Salah's European career and the beginning of a new chapter in Saudi stadiums, in a deal that could be the most prominent in the history of transfers in the region.
