Saudi Arabian football officials say they will do whatever they can to sign Liverpool star Mohamed Salah during the upcoming winter transfer window. This follows a major public fallout between the player and his club. A source within Saudi Arabia's powerful Public Investment Fund (PIF) revealed the kingdom's intent on Tuesday .
The source stated they are closely monitoring Salah's position. They believe a move is possible either through a loan deal or a permanent transfer. "There is still no direct negotiations or talks with the club at the moment," the anonymous source said. They added that "there will be a move at the right moment" .
Saudi authorities hope to secure the Egyptian winger in January. He would join other global stars in the Saudi Pro League, like Cristiano Ronaldo . The PIF owns a majority stake in several top Saudi clubs. These include Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ahli, and Al Ittihad. However, interest reportedly extends beyond these teams. A club linked to the state oil company Aramco, Al Qadsiah, has also shown interest . "There is a competition inside the Saudi league who will bring Salah," the PIF source said .
This bold declaration from Saudi Arabia comes at a critical moment. It follows an extraordinary public breakdown in relations between Salah and Liverpool. The conflict erupted after Liverpool's 3-3 draw with Leeds United last weekend. Salah was an unused substitute for the third straight league game. After the match, he spoke to reporters in a rare and candid outburst .
He said he felt the club had "thrown him under the bus." He accused the club of not keeping promises made to him. Salah also stated he no longer has a relationship with manager Arne Slot. "I used to have a good relationship. Now we don't have any relationship and I don't know why," he said . In response, Liverpool omitted the 33-year-old from their squad for a Champions League match against Inter Milan this week .
The situation marks a stunning reversal. Just last April, Salah signed a new contract extension with Liverpool. This was after leading the club to the Premier League title . He was the PFA Players' Player of the Year for the 2024-25 season. He scored 29 goals and provided 18 assists in that campaign . His form has dipped sharply this season. He has only four goals in 13 Premier League appearances. Liverpool, the defending champions, sit 10th in the table .
The Saudi Pro League's approach represents a strategic pursuit. Acquiring Salah, the Arab world's biggest football star, would be a major coup. The league has spent over $1.5 billion on players since 2023 . However, recent reports indicate a shift in strategy. League officials now emphasize financial stability and developing younger talent .
SPL CEO Omar Mugharbel recently discussed new financial regulations. The goal is to ensure the league's long-term sustainability. "The main objective is to raise the financial strength of the league," Mugharbel said . The league is also trying to lower the average age of its squads. It has moved from an average age of 29 to 26 . Signing Salah, who is 33, goes against this younger trend. It shows he is seen as a unique commercial and sporting asset.
For Liverpool, the situation presents a complex dilemma. Manager Arne Slot's own future has been under scrutiny. The team has won only four of its last 15 games in all competitions . Sources say the club's hierarchy still fully backs Slot . Letting a star player publicly challenge the manager's authority is problematic. Letting Salah leave in January would have seemed impossible just weeks ago. Now, it is a real possibility being discussed .
Journalist David Ornstein reports that Liverpool's preference is for Salah to stay. The club wants him to see out his contract, which runs until the summer of 2027 . However, the player's actions may force a change. Salah hinted that Liverpool's next match against Brighton could be his last for the club . He is then set to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt .
If a sale happens, Liverpool will need a replacement. The club has been linked with several wingers. One named option is Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo . Liverpool's sporting director, Richard Hughes, knows the player from his time at Bournemouth. Semenyo reportedly has a release clause of around £60-65 million .
The financial aspect of any deal with Saudi Arabia will be key. Liverpool rejected a £150 million bid from Al-Ittihad for Salah in the summer of 2023 . His value and contract length are different now. But a significant fee would still be expected. It could provide Slot with funds to reshape his struggling squad in January.
Salah's reported actions have drawn criticism from some corners. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher called his comments a "disgrace" . Analysts note the outburst betrays teammates and creates a major distraction . It echoes past incidents where star players fell out with their clubs. The coming weeks will test the resolve of both Salah and Liverpool's leadership. The Saudi Pro League is now waiting, ready to act if the chance arrives .