Prominent Saudi sports journalist Waleed Al-Faraj sparked a wide wave of controversy across social media platforms after directing a direct and explicit message to Egyptian star Mohamed Salah, the icon of Liverpool FC, regarding the news circulating about the possibility of his transfer to the Saudi Professional League during the upcoming summer transfer window.
In a tweet posted on his official X account, Al-Faraj advised the Egyptian star to remain in European leagues or move to America, considering this the most suitable step for his inspiring career. Al-Faraj said, "I wish the great star Mohamed Salah a perfect ending to his inspiring career in England. Staying in Europe or America would be more suitable for him than playing professionally in the Middle East." He added, in a point that angered many, "Salah no longer fits into Roshan's future plans. He will be expected to deliver what he offered three years ago, and our fans are unforgiving. I don't think he needs this pressure now.".
Background of Saudi interest in Mohamed Salah
These statements reopen the file on the intense negotiations that took place in the summer of 2023, when Al-Ittihad, a Saudi club owned by the Public Investment Fund, tried every possible means to sign Salah. The club submitted astronomical offers that would have made Salah the most expensive player in football history, with the value of the offers made to Liverpool exceeding £150 million. However, the English club's management and coach Jürgen Klopp insisted on keeping the player, considering him an indispensable asset.
The Dori Roshen Project and its global impact
The interest in stars of Mohamed Salah's caliber comes within the context of the ambitious project undertaken by the Saudi Public Investment Fund to develop the Saudi Professional League and make it one of the top 10 leagues in the world. The project has already succeeded in attracting a constellation of the brightest stars in world football, led by Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, Brazil's Neymar da Silva, France's Karim Benzema, and others. The Salah deal was seen as the "crown jewel" that would complete the first phase of this massive project, given his status as the best Arab and African player and one of the most prominent players on the global stage.
The impact and significance of Al-Faraj's statements
Al-Faraj's message gains significance from its potential to reflect a shift in the recruitment strategy of Roshan League clubs. After initially focusing on attracting big-name, veteran stars to boost media and fan interest, some believe the next phase may prioritize building well-rounded teams capable of long-term competition by recruiting younger, peak-level players. Regionally, the tweet sparked sharp debate; while some considered it a realistic and logical perspective that respects Salah's image and status, others saw it as diminishing the Egyptian star's value and his ability to contribute for years to come, arguing that he continues to perform at an exceptional level in the world's strongest league.
