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Speculation around Mohamed Salah’s long-term future at Liverpool has intensified as the forward continues to find himself outside Arne Slot’s starting XI, prompting renewed focus on potential suitors, particularly from the Saudi Pro League (SPL), whose financial capacity remains intact for a marquee signing.
Salah, widely regarded as the greatest active Premier League goalscorer, has been named on the bench for Liverpool’s last two league outings. His situation has led captain Virgil van Dijk to remind that no player is exempt from scrutiny, stating that no member of the squad has “unlimited credit”.
The Egypt star, now 33, has previously been courted aggressively by Saudi clubs. Al-Ittihad saw a £150 million offer rejected in September 2023, and Salah held discussions with SPL representatives last summer regarding a free transfer, talks he ultimately abandoned in favour of signing a new Liverpool contract until 2027. Those negotiations, however, remain relevant to any future move.
“My relations with SPL officials are very good, we talked a lot and the negotiations were serious,” Salah told ON Sport after being named Football Writers’ Player of the Year. “It was a good opportunity to me, if I hadn’t renewed with Liverpool it would have happened.”
Salah has admitted in the past that he felt “more out than in” at Anfield during periods of uncertainty last season, although his current deal secures him for the next two campaigns. His numbers remain historic: 190 Premier League goals for Liverpool, with only Alan Shearer, Harry Kane and Wayne Rooney above him in the competition’s all-time rankings. He has five goals this season, though Slot has acknowledged the forward was “not happy” with recent omissions.
Van Dijk has urged perspective amid the tension.
“It’s not like you have unlimited credit, everyone has to perform,” he said. “Mo has been doing that but the manager made that decision in the last two games. We all want the best for the club."
“I am pretty sure Mo will still be a big part of what we are trying to achieve because he is an amazing player and he has shown it consistently…”
The Dutch defender added that Salah’s frustration is normal, emphasising the forward’s leadership role and importance to the group.
Reports from Turkey have recently suggested Galatasaray are preparing a substantial January 2026 offer worth $20–22 million per season, boosted by major sponsorship incentives and guarantees of a starring role in Istanbul. However, the timing of such a move raises logistical doubts.
Salah is due to leave for the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations on 13 December and may be unavailable until mid-January should Egypt reach the final, significantly complicating any mid-season transfer.
Salah’s reduced role has now escalated into a public rupture. After being left unused in a 3-3 draw at Leeds, his third consecutive game on the bench, the forward delivered an extraordinary post-match interview, claiming he feels scapegoated.
“I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame,” he said. “I said many times before that I had a good relationship with the manager, and all of a sudden we don't have any relationship."
“I don't know why but it seems to me, how I see it, that someone doesn't want me in the club."
“It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus…”
Salah stressed his ongoing affection for Liverpool but expressed disbelief at his treatment, later adding that he should not be fighting for a position he believes he has earned.
Slot, meanwhile, defended his decision to leave Salah unused at Elland Road.
“It was more about controlling the game [at 3-2] and we didn't need a goal,” Slot told Sky Sports. “Normally when you need a goal, like last week against Sunderland, I brought Mo on.”
The Liverpool manager later acknowledged heightened discussion around Salah’s situation, which he said was “completely normal” given the Egyptian’s impact over the past seven years.
The SPL has long viewed Salah, the most globally recognised footballer from the Middle East, as a priority target. BBC Sport understands Al-Hilal, led by Simone Inzaghi, are among the clubs monitoring developments closely. Liverpool, for their part, are said to be open-minded amid the growing external interest.
As Salah’s relationship with Liverpool appears increasingly strained and his role on the pitch shifts, the prospect of a Saudi move, once speculative, may soon return to the forefront of his career.
Featured Image Credit: Unsplash / José Pablo Domínguez
