The 2024/25 season could mark the end of an era for Mohamed Salah at Liverpool, as clubs in Saudi Arabia are positioning themselves to make a significant move for the Egyptian star. With Salah’s contract set to expire at the conclusion of the season, and no renewal talks currently on the table, the possibility of his departure looms large. At 32 years old, Salah remains one of the world’s most sought-after players, and Saudi Arabian clubs are eager to capitalize on his impending free-agent status early next year.
Saudi Arabia’s interest in Salah is nothing new. Last summer, Al Ittihad aggressively pursued the forward, offering substantial bids to tempt Liverpool into selling. However, the Merseyside club rejected all offers, determined to hold onto their talisman for at least another season. Al Ittihad’s pursuit of Salah didn’t stop there. In June 2024, they reopened discussions in hopes that any potential managerial shake-up at Anfield, such as Jurgen Klopp’s departure, might sway Salah’s decision to leave. Despite their best efforts, the likelihood of a transfer at that time remained slim.
As the months have passed and Salah’s contract edges closer to its expiration, Saudi Arabia is preparing a more strategic approach. With Salah set to become a free agent in 2025, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) is keen on securing his services. The PIF, which has already reshaped the football landscape in Saudi Arabia, is shifting gears to secure a pre-contract agreement with Salah as early as January or February of next year. According to sources close to CaughtOffside, the PIF is preparing an extremely lucrative 2+1-year contract offer, complete with a massive salary package that is likely to entice the Egyptian forward.
Salah has reportedly been in contact with Saudi clubs for several years, and it seems the time may finally be right for a formal offer to be made. In the coming weeks, the PIF is expected to present a concrete deal to Salah’s representatives, hoping to finalize terms well in advance of the 2025/26 season. Confidence is high among Saudi officials that Salah will agree to the terms, marking a potential move to one of the clubs under the PIF’s umbrella.
While Al Ittihad remains the frontrunner in the race for Salah’s signature, they are not the only club vying for his talents. Other Saudi Arabian giants such as Al Hilal, Al Nassr, and Al Ahli are also potential destinations, with each club offering a different set of incentives. Regardless of where he ends up, Salah’s potential departure represents a seismic shift for Liverpool.
Liverpool now faces the monumental task of replacing one of their greatest-ever players. Salah’s contributions over the years have been nothing short of extraordinary. With 216 goals and 93 assists in 357 appearances for the club, he has cemented himself as a legend at Anfield. Even this season, at the age of 32, Salah continues to perform at the highest level, notching five goals and four assists. His influence on the pitch remains undeniable, making his potential departure all the more difficult for Liverpool to manage.
As Liverpool contemplates life after Salah, the club has already begun to scout potential replacements. According to CaughtOffside, Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo is emerging as a top target for the Reds. Kubo, known for his technical ability and creativity, could offer a similar attacking flair to Salah. Additionally, Liverpool is reportedly monitoring Bundesliga stars Karim Adeyemi and Leroy Sane, both of whom could bring pace and dynamism to the team’s forward line.
The coming months are poised to be pivotal for both Mohamed Salah and Liverpool. For Salah, a potential move to Saudi Arabia represents a new chapter in his illustrious career, with the promise of a significant financial windfall. For Liverpool, it marks the end of an era and the beginning of a challenging rebuild. As Salah’s tenure at Anfield draws to a close, Liverpool’s management will be tasked with finding a suitable successor who can step into the massive shoes left behind by the Egyptian icon. Whether it’s Kubo, Adeyemi, or another target, the club’s future attacking success may hinge on their ability to navigate this critica
l transition.