Saudi Pro League Interest Builds Around Salah
Liverpool are privately preparing for a potentially transformative summer amid growing interest in Salah from clubs in the Saudi Pro League, according to reporting from TEAMtalk. While the Egyptian forward remains under contract until 2027 after signing an extension in April 2025, the scale and persistence of approaches from Saudi Arabia have created a sense of inevitability around future negotiations.
Al-Ittihad are understood to be leading the chase, with Al-Nassr monitoring developments in case circumstances change in their own squad. The Saudi Pro League has made no secret of its ambition to recruit global stars early in the transfer window, hoping to secure marquee deals before European clubs can reorganise their squads.
Publicly, Liverpool insist Salah is not for sale. Privately, sources cited by TEAMtalk suggest contingency planning has begun. That is not unusual. Even under Arne Slot’s management, Liverpool’s recruitment model has relied on anticipation rather than reaction, especially when a player of Salah’s status — one of the club’s most decisive performers since arriving from Roma in 2017 — could depart.
Liverpool Transfer Planning Under Arne Slot
Slot’s first full season has been defined by structural evolution. Liverpool sit in the Premier League’s upper reaches while recalibrating their midfield and defensive options, and recruitment work has been ongoing for months.
According to TEAMtalk’s original report, Liverpool have explored centre-back options including Lloyd Kelly, formerly of Newcastle United and now at Juventus. The England defender, capable at centre-half or left-back, is valued significantly higher than the £20m Juventus paid Newcastle in 2025.
Interest in attacking reinforcements is also being monitored. RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande has attracted attention from Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United, with Leipzig’s asking price believed to be around €100m. Such figures underline the complexity of replacing Salah — not just financially, but stylistically.
Salah’s role under Slot has evolved into a hybrid winger-forward, contributing goals, assists and pressing triggers. Replacing that output would require either multiple signings or a tactical rethink.
Contract Context and Dressing Room Reality
Salah’s contract situation offers Liverpool leverage. With two years remaining beyond this season, there is no immediate pressure to sell. Yet footballing reality often bends to economic gravity. Saudi clubs can offer wages beyond Premier League structures, and players nearing their mid-thirties must consider career trajectories.
Sources close to Liverpool emphasise that relations between Slot and Salah remain professional after a brief disagreement earlier in the campaign. The manager values Salah’s leadership and consistency, particularly as younger attackers such as Federico Chiesa and emerging academy forwards settle into Slot’s positional system.
Liverpool’s hierarchy, including sporting director-level decision-makers, are expected to assess any formal offers in context of squad planning, finances and long-term competitiveness. The club’s recent transfer history shows discipline — but also pragmatism when valuation meets opportunity.
Potential Impact on Liverpool Squad Structure
If Salah were to depart, Liverpool would face a structural shift comparable to the Philippe Coutinho sale in 2018, which ultimately funded a defensive rebuild. This time, the question would be how Slot reshapes his forward line.
Options include promoting internal players, targeting elite wingers such as Diomande, or redistributing scoring responsibility across midfield and full-backs. Liverpool’s attacking data already shows broader chance creation under Slot, with goals coming from multiple sources.
Yet Salah’s reliability remains unmatched. Over eight seasons, he has delivered decisive moments against Manchester City, Newcastle United and Champions League opposition alike — the kind of consistency that underpins title challenges.
Liverpool’s stance is therefore measured rather than reactive. They are not pushing Salah out. They are preparing for every outcome.
