Two Elite Clubs Battle to Land Mohamed Salah as Transfer War Heats Up
A high-ranking official from the Saudi Pro League has allegedly expressed confidence about securing Liverpool's discontented Mohamed Salah sometime during 2026, with Al Hilal and Al Ittihad positioned as the leading candidates to complete such a transfer.
Salah ignited speculation about his future through a remarkable interview on Saturday evening. Arne Slot, Jamie Carragher and even Harry Kane all received criticism as Liverpool's benched striker alleged he had been "thrown under the bus" by the organization.
In what seemed like a calculated outburst, Salah disclosed that he has asked his family to attend Anfield for the upcoming Brighton & Hove Albion match. "In my mind, I'm going to savor that match because I'm uncertain what lies ahead," he cautioned. "I'll be at Anfield to bid farewell to the supporters and depart for the Africa Cup, as I'm unsure what will transpire while I'm there [at AFCON]."
If Egypt advances beyond the group phase, the January transfer window will commence while Salah participates in AFCON. The 33-year-old stopped short of explicitly requesting a transfer, but emphasized that he cannot "tolerate this circumstance" of being designated as a substitute for three consecutive matches.
The Saudi Pro League seems prepared to capitalize on this standoff.
"We are completely certain that Mo Salah will join Saudi," The Telegraph reported a senior official as stating. "There's no uncertainty about it. We're unsure whether it'll be January, the following window, or next summer."
The identical report identifies current Saudi champions Al Ittihad and record league titleholders Al Hilal as the two clubs "most probable" to acquire Salah. Nevertheless, both organizations share the same primary owner—Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, which also maintains a controlling interest in Al Nassr and Al Ahli—and the Pro League functions with one sporting director across all teams to avoid bidding competitions.
Familiar Faces Await for Salah
Although there won't be a Cristiano Ronaldo partnership—which would have also created an uncomfortable reunion with his former Liverpool colleague Sadio Mané—Salah is expected to encounter some recognizable faces should he transfer to Saudi Arabia.
Al Hilal are led by Darwin Núñez. The unpredictable striker wasn't unanimously beloved by everyone on Merseyside due to his inconsistent displays, but he rapidly developed a solid connection with Salah that went beyond football. "I feel fortunate to have had you as a colleague and friend," Salah posted on social media following Núñez's confirmed exit in August.
"You were consistently genuine and contributed tremendous positive energy everywhere you went. You made us smile and demonstrated passion in everything you pursued. You'll be missed and I hope for your success at your new team."
Salah might instead reconnect with former Liverpool midfielder Fabinho if he were to sign with Al Ittihad. The current league champions have managed a disappointing title defense, accumulating 14 points from nine matches while Ronaldo's Al Nassr tops the table with a flawless 27. Al Hilal remains unbeaten but The Telegraph suggests that if any team should be regarded as the clear favorite, it's Al Ittihad.
The Jeddah-based club allegedly had a £150 million ($200.2 million) offer for Salah turned down in September 2023. Al Ittihad supporters were so enthusiastic about welcoming the Egyptian star that significant portions of a crowd that summer donned Salah masks in expectation. The genuine article might now be coming their way.