It's happening, folks. The whispers are getting louder, and the writing's on the wall. Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian King who delivered Liverpool their first league title in 30 years and a Champions League trophy, looks set to depart Anfield. After 211 goals in 349 appearances, including a ridiculous 44 in his debut 2017-18 season, Salah's time on Merseyside feels like it's drawing to a close. He’s 32 now, still sharp, still productive – he bagged 18 Premier League goals last season – but the club is clearly moving into a new era under Arne Slot. So, where does a player of his caliber, with his global appeal and still-elite output, go next?
Let's not kid ourselves, this is the most likely destination. Saudi Arabia has been circling Salah for two years, and the money they're throwing around is frankly absurd. Remember the €150 million offer from Al-Ittihad last summer? Liverpool rejected it, but that kind of cash doesn't just evaporate. Clubs like Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, and Al-Ahli would all be lining up. Imagine Salah linking up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, or joining Neymar at Al-Hilal – the marketing potential alone is off the charts. He'd instantly become the face of the league, even more so than Ronaldo. Plus, a two- or three-year deal there would set up his family for generations, and let's be honest, his legacy at Liverpool is already cemented. He's won everything there is to win. The pace of play in the Saudi Pro League would also be less demanding, potentially extending his career at a high scoring rate. He scored 137 Premier League goals for Liverpool, only 22 shy of Steven Gerrard's club record across all competitions. That's the kind of company he keeps.
This is where it gets trickier, and frankly, less probable. Which elite European club needs a 32-year-old winger on massive wages? Real Madrid and Barcelona are perennially linked with big names, but their financial situations and squad compositions don't quite fit. Real just landed Kylian Mbappé and Endrick, and Vinicius Jr. owns the left wing. Barca is still navigating FFP regulations and trying to integrate their own young talent. Bayern Munich? They have Leroy Sané and Serge Gnabry, and tend to favor younger acquisitions. PSG? Maybe, as they rebuild after Mbappé's exit, but their focus has shifted to a more collective, less superstar-dependent model.
Here's my hot take: if he stays in Europe, it won't be at a Champions League contender. It would be a club just outside that top tier, perhaps in Italy, looking for a marquee signing to elevate their profile. Think AC Milan or even Roma, where he played from 2015-2017, scoring 29 goals in 65 Serie A appearances. A romantic return, perhaps, but one that feels like a step down competitively for him.
Never say never, but this feels like a distant third option. The MLS has attracted aging European stars, but usually those closer to 35 or 36, looking for a final payday and a lifestyle change. Salah, even at 32, still has plenty in the tank to compete at a higher level than MLS offers. While the league is growing, and the likes of Lionel Messi have brought unprecedented attention, Salah's move there would feel premature. He’s still capable of 20+ goals a season in a top league, as evidenced by his 25 goals across all competitions for Liverpool last season.
My bold prediction? Salah will be playing his football in Saudi Arabia by the end of August, likely for Al-Hilal, signing a deal that makes him one of the highest-paid athletes on the planet.