The Saudi Pro League (SPL) has officially confirmed its interest in signing Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, with CEO Omar Mugharbel stating, “Mohamed Salah is welcome in the Saudi League,” following the player’s public feud with Liverpool and head coach Arne Slot.
Salah, who missed Tuesday’s Champions League trip to Inter Milan after claiming he felt “thrown under the bus” and that his relationship with Slot had broken down, has long been a target for Saudi clubs.
A reported £150 million bid from Al-Ittihad was rejected by Liverpool in September 2023. Mugharbel confirmed Salah is “one of them [a target]” but stressed that individual clubs are responsible for negotiations.
Reports suggest Salah, who signed a two-year extension in April, could potentially leave as early as January.
However, Ben Harburg (Al-Kholood Chairman) expressed skepticism about the move, calling Salah “a bad fit” for the SPL. He cited Salah’s age (33), high wages, and recent underperformance, suggesting the league should prioritize younger players like Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr.
Following Salah’s outburts, Gerrard criticized the Egyptian for being “a bit emotional and a bit hasty,” especially regarding comments about “throwing people under the bus.”
Gerrard advised Salah to resolve the issue directly with Slot, comparing the situation to the 2013 fallout between Luis Suarez and then-manager Brendan Rodgers. Gerrard concluded that Liverpool “need Mo Salah back playing well… because he is the best player.”
Salah, who was a key figure in Liverpool’s 2019 Champions League and two Premier League triumphs, has struggled this season, scoring only four goals in 13 league games as the defending champions sit 10th in the table. He is due to join the Egyptian national team for the Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday.
