Football fans around the world are focused on the future of the Egyptian star, with speculation mounting about Mohamed Salah's potential move to the Saudi Professional League, a transfer that could reshape the global transfer landscape. This news comes as the player's historic journey with Liverpool FC draws to a close.
Financial offer details: One billion riyals to sign "The Pharaoh"
According to a report by RT, the British newspaper The Sun revealed that the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) has the financial resources to make a historic offer to the Egyptian star. The offer includes an annual salary of £61.5 million for a three-year contract, in addition to a massive signing bonus of approximately £26.5 million. The newspaper explained that the total value of the contract would reach £210 million (approximately one billion Saudi riyals) over three seasons, with the added benefit of tax exemption, extending the contract until Salah turns 36. Top clubs Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, and Al-Hilal are awaiting the player's final decision in order to secure his services.
Historical context: Ongoing attempts and an ambitious sports project
Saudi Arabia's interest in signing the Egyptian national team captain is not new. In the summer of 2023, Al-Ittihad submitted a massive official offer exceeding £150 million, but Liverpool's management and then-manager Jürgen Klopp refused to sell the player. This persistent pursuit is part of a comprehensive national strategy, backed by the Public Investment Fund, aimed at attracting top-tier global stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema, to elevate the Saudi league to one of the world's best.
Mohamed Salah's alternative options: between Europe and America
Despite the unprecedented financial incentives, Salah is considering several other options. Should he wish to remain in Europe, Italian clubs like AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Napoli stand out as potential destinations, but their financial offers would be significantly lower than the Saudi offer, not exceeding £25 million over two years. A move to Major League Soccer (MLS), following in the footsteps of Argentine star Lionel Messi, is also an option, but the player is currently hesitant due to family concerns about settling there. Clubs like Galatasaray in Turkey, or even Barcelona in Spain, remain viable options for later in the summer.
The end of a historic era with Liverpool
This move comes at a crucial time, as Salah had already signed a two-year contract with Liverpool with a weekly salary of £400,000, before hinting that the current season might be his last at Anfield, thus ending a nine-year career full of titles and individual and collective achievements that have immortalized his name as one of the greatest players in the English Premier League.
Expected impact of the event (locally, regionally, and internationally)
Mohamed Salah's potential transfer carries implications that extend far beyond a mere sporting deal. Domestically , it would boost the commercial and marketing value of the Saudi League and increase attendance figures. Regionally , as the most prominent sporting icon in the Arab world, his transfer would ensure that millions of Arab fans are drawn to Saudi competitions like never before. Internationally , this move would confirm that the Saudi League has become a major attraction, capable of drawing top stars from the heart of Europe, thus shifting the balance of power in the global transfer market.
