Saudi Pro League targets embattled Salah

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has been confirmed as a transfer target for clubs in the Saudi Pro League, according to league chief executive Omar Mugharbel. 

The 33-year-old’s future at Anfield has come under fresh scrutiny following a public dispute with manager Arne Slot and his omission from Liverpool’s squad for their recent Champions League win away to Inter Milan.

Salah voiced his frustration after Liverpool’s 3-3 Premier League draw with Leeds, saying he had been blamed for the club’s poor form and that his relationship with Slot had broken down.

While Slot denied any irreparable rift and insisted the forward could return to the team, Mugharbel confirmed Saudi clubs are monitoring the situation closely and are interested in signing the Egyptian international.

Speaking at the World Football Summit in Riyadh, Mugharbel said Salah would be welcomed in the Saudi league but stressed that negotiations would be handled by individual clubs. 

He acknowledged Salah was among the league’s targets, fuelling speculation that the forward could leave Liverpool as early as January despite signing a two-year contract extension in April.

Saudi interest in Salah is not new, with Liverpool having rejected a reported £150m bid from Al-Ittihad in September 2023. 

However, this marks the first time a Saudi Pro League official has publicly addressed the player’s situation since his recent outburst. 

Not all clubs are convinced, with Al-Kholood chairman Ben Harburg describing Salah as “a bad fit” and suggesting younger stars such as Vinicius Jr would be a better investment.

Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard urged calm, describing Salah as “emotional and hasty” in his comments.

Gerrard said the forward’s frustration at not playing was understandable but warned that public criticism of the club and manager was misplaced. 

He compared the situation to Luis Suarez’s fallout with Brendan Rodgers in 2013, which was eventually resolved before Suarez left the club a year later.

Salah has been a central figure in Liverpool’s success since joining from Roma in 2017, helping the club to two Premier League titles and a Champions League triumph. 

However, his form this season has dipped, with four league goals in 13 appearances as Liverpool sit 10th in the table. 

The Reds host Brighton this weekend before Salah departs to join Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations, with Gerrard insisting Liverpool need their star forward back scoring if they are to revive their campaign.