Egyptian international Mohamed Salah has been slow to sign a new contract with Liverpool.
The player’s top priority is to stay at Anfield and continue to challenge for a place in high-level European competition, but his age and high salary are bottlenecks.
The veteran winger is in good condition. He has continued to perform as if he were in his prime, and there is a strong desire for the Egyptian King to stay.
However, the heat from Saudi Arabia is growing by the day. Al Hilal terminated the contract of former Brazilian international Neymar by mutual agreement after he had received a very high salary.
Ben Jacobs (sports journalist) reported that the club and the Saudi Pro League, which has secured a substantial budget, are committed to acquiring Salah, including broadcasting rights.
“Al-Hilal now free up significant budget due to Neymar’s termination. A big drive is expected to find a new marquee star in time for the Club World Cup.”
“Saudi Pro League set to take FIFA up on the exceptional window between 1-10 June in order to sign players ahead of the tournament.”
“Mo Salah is still Hilal’s number one target as Jorge Jesus wants a right-sided attacker. However, Saudi dealmakers also respectful of Salah’s negotiations with Liverpool and his decision-making process.”
“SPL sporting director Michael Emenalo has a strong relationship with Salah and the financials on offer already outlined from the approach on behalf of Al-Ittihad in 2023.”
“If given any encouragement to bid, Saudi will make Salah a new offer that will see him become the best-paid player in the league. SPL executives feel Salah arriving will boost the TV revenue when the next cycle is sold this summer. And there is an idea to sell Egypt-specifc rights rather than a MENA wide package.”
“Liverpool are still optimistic Salah will instead extend even though parties are yet to reach an agreement. Late last year, the feeling within Liverpool was Salah talks would take some time, so no surprise January hasn’t yet brought clarity.”
“No doubt Al-Hilal will push for another star, whether Salah or another big name, ahead of the Club World Cup.”
Al-Hilal now free up significant budget due to Neymar's termination. A big drive is expected to find a new marquee star in time for the Club World Cup.
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) January 27, 2025
Saudi Pro League set to take FIFA up on the exceptional window between 1-10 June in order to sign players ahead of the… pic.twitter.com/ZIY8cSY8LF