The winds of change are blowing through Anfield, and they carry the unmistakable scent of Middle Eastern ambition. As we move deeper into the 2026 winter window, the “Egyptian King’s” reign on Merseyside is facing its most significant threat yet.
Here is the breakdown of the seismic shift currently rocking Liverpool.
🇸🇦 The Saudi “Confirmation”
The speculation has turned into concrete intent. Saudi Pro League CEO Omar Mugharbel has publicly broken the silence, confirming that Mohamed Salah is not just a “dream” but a primary target.
> “Mohamed Salah is welcome in the Saudi League… For sure, Salah is one of them [the targets],” Mugharbel stated at the World Football Summit.
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While Liverpool famously swiped away a £150m bid in the past, the landscape has changed. With Salah now 33 and having faced a public (though reportedly resolved) spat with manager Arne Slot earlier this season, the internal feeling at the club has shifted from “not for sale” to “serious worry.”
💰 The £80m Replacement: Xavi Simons?
Liverpool isn’t just sitting idle while their talisman is courted. Reports have intensified that the Reds have identified Xavi Simons as the heir apparent to the throne.
* The Price Tag: RB Leipzig has reportedly set a firm €80m (£67m–£70m) floor for the Dutch playmaker, though some valuations suggest the total package could climb toward the £80m mark to ward off Manchester United.
* The Profile: Simons offers the youth (22), versatility, and creative “X-factor” that Slot craves. While he isn’t a direct mirror of Salah’s goal-scoring output, his dynamism is seen as the perfect fit for the post-Salah era.
* Other Names in the Hat: If the Simons deal hits a snag, Liverpool is also monitoring Ousmane Dembélé (PSG) and Bundesliga sensation Yan Diomande.
📉 Why Fans Are Worried
The anxiety among the Kop isn’t just about losing goals; it’s about losing an icon.
* Contract Tensions: Despite a contract that runs until 2027, the constant noise from Riyadh is creating a “lame duck” atmosphere.
* The Slot Factor: Following Salah’s comments about being “thrown under the bus” after being benched earlier this term, fans fear the emotional connection to the club has frayed.
* Timing: Losing a player of Salah’s stature in January or even a pre-agreed summer deal leaves a massive vacuum in leadership.
What’s Next?
The ball is in Liverpool’s court. Do they cash in on a legendary player while his value remains high, or do they fight to keep him for one last dance?
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