Salah's Swan Song: The Saudi Siren Call and Other Destinations
The whispers have grown into a roar: Mohamed Salah is leaving Liverpool. After 349 appearances, 211 goals, and a Premier League title that ended a 30-year drought in 2020, his legacy at Anfield is secure. He's a club legend, no question. But with his contract expiring in the summer of 2025 and no new deal in sight, the summer transfer window feels like the last chance for Liverpool to cash in on their Egyptian King.
The Obvious Choice: Saudi Arabia's Allure
Let's be real, the most likely destination is Saudi Arabia. Al-Ittihad made a reported £150 million bid for Salah last summer, a figure Liverpool flatly rejected. But that was then. With one year left on his contract, his value drops significantly. Saudi clubs, however, aren't exactly strapped for cash. They’re still looking to elevate their league's profile, and a player of Salah's caliber, global appeal, and devout Muslim faith is a perfect fit. Think about it: Cristiano Ronaldo signed with Al-Nassr in December 2022, Karim Benzema joined Al-Ittihad in June 2023. Salah would be the next jewel in their crown. He'd command a salary that European clubs simply wouldn't match – we're talking north of £500,000 a week, potentially even more. And for a player who turns 32 in June, that kind of financial security for his twilight years is incredibly tempting.
European Dreams or a Return to Italy?
But what if Salah still fancies himself in a top European league? It's not out of the question. He's still a prolific goalscorer, bagging 18 Premier League goals in 30 appearances this season, good for third in the league. Teams like Paris Saint-Germain are always looking for superstar talent, especially with Kylian Mbappé's impending departure. Imagine Salah linking up with Ousmane Dembélé and Randal Kolo Muani in a new-look PSG attack. They have the financial muscle, and the French league, while perhaps not as competitive as the Premier League, would still offer Champions League football.
Then there's the Serie A connection. Salah enjoyed a fantastic spell at Roma from 2015-2017, scoring 29 goals in 65 league games. A return to Italy, perhaps with Juventus or even a reuniting with his former club, could be an option. Juventus are reportedly looking to rebuild and add some star power. They finished third in Serie A this season with 71 points, a significant gap behind champions Inter Milan. Adding Salah could close that gap. But here’s my hot take: a return to Italy would be a mistake. The league's intensity and exposure just don't match his current standing as a global icon. He'd be better off taking the Saudi money or trying to win a Champions League with PSG.
The American Gambit: MLS?
This is a long shot, I'll admit. But hear me out. Major League Soccer has been attracting big names in their later careers. Lionel Messi's move to Inter Miami last year, following in the footsteps of David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimović, shows the league's ambition. While Salah isn't quite at the "retirement league" stage yet, the lifestyle, the burgeoning league, and the marketing opportunities in the US could be appealing down the line. It offers a different kind of challenge, a chance to be the face of a growing sport in a massive market. But for now, it feels premature.
My bold prediction? Salah will be playing in the Saudi Pro League by September 1st. The money is too good, the fit is too perfect, and Liverpool won't pass up the opportunity to get a hefty transfer fee for a player entering the final year of his contract.