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Al-Ittihad Open Talks with Mohamed Salah
Reports from Foot Mercato suggest that Mohamed Salah is once again at the centre of significant Saudi Pro League attention, with Al-Ittihad opening discussions over a potential move. For Liverpool followers, this storyline carries a familiar ring, having surfaced repeatedly across recent transfer windows. Yet, the present circumstances hint at a shift in tone and timing that could alter the trajectory of the long running saga.
According to the French outlet, a difficult December has provided fresh context. It is claimed Salah publicly voiced frustration over reduced game time and his relationship with the coaching staff, a development that appears to have nudged open the possibility of a departure. This is not framed as an abrupt exit, rather a scenario that now carries more substance than in previous summers.
Agent Dialogue Signals Changing Stance
Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna has reported:
“According to our information, his agent is in talks with Al Ittihad, and unlike last year, Mo Salah is much more open to an arrival in Saudi Arabia. This could satisfy all parties. Liverpool would receive a transfer fee, and Salah would be at the origin of the decision.”
That language is instructive. It indicates that any move would be driven by the player’s own preference, rather than external pressure. Salah, who secured a further extension after an outstanding 2024-25 campaign, remains one of the club’s defining figures. If his position has softened, Liverpool’s hierarchy will need to weigh sentiment against squad planning, financial return, and succession strategy.
Photo: IMAGO
From a recruitment perspective, clarity around Salah’s intentions would be valuable. Liverpool’s attacking structure has long been built around his reliability for goals and availability. A late summer pivot would be far more disruptive than a controlled, early decision.
Al-Ittihad Squad Needs Add Urgency
Aouna also added:
“Recall that Al Ittihad lost during the winter transfer window its two French stars Karim Benzema, who left for Al Hilal, and N’Golo Kanté, sold to Fenerbahçe, and that Fabinho is coming to the end of his contract next June. As for Moussa Diaby, he has been announced in the sights of Inter Milan. The Saudi club needs to strengthen itself to continue to play a leading role in the future. And with Salah, he would pull off the long-awaited big move.”
This context explains the renewed push. Al-Ittihad appear to be entering a transitional phase, seeking a marquee signing capable of restoring competitive status and commercial impact. Salah, with his global profile and proven output, fits that requirement precisely.
For Liverpool, the situation is nuanced. The club have navigated Saudi interest before, resisting substantial bids while retaining a cornerstone performer. If the player is now more receptive, the decision matrix evolves. A significant fee could fund reinvestment, though replacing Salah’s consistent end product remains a formidable challenge.
At present, talks are described as exploratory rather than definitive. Much will hinge on the player’s appetite for a new chapter and Liverpool’s assessment of timing. As ever with high profile moves, patience and discretion are likely to shape the next steps.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
From a Liverpool supporter’s standpoint, any credible link between Salah and a Saudi move lands with a mix of pride and apprehension. Pride, because his status has been earned through years of elite performance, decisive goals, and professionalism that set standards inside the dressing room. Apprehension, because replacing that influence on and off the pitch is never straightforward.
Under Arne Slot, Liverpool are building a refreshed identity, one that still leans heavily on experience in key moments. Salah remains a match winner, a leader in big fixtures, and a reference point for younger forwards learning the demands of the Premier League. If his relationship with the coaching staff has indeed cooled, the priority should be dialogue and alignment, not a rushed exit.
Supporters will also recognise the realities of modern squad management. If Salah himself feels ready for a new challenge and the club can secure a fee that accelerates the next phase of the rebuild, there is logic in managing the transition on Liverpool’s terms. What fans will hope above all else is transparency and respect for a player who has delivered so many decisive contributions at Anfield.
Should this be the beginning of a farewell, it must be handled with the dignity his legacy deserves.
