Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s Egyptian King, has long been the pulse of Anfield — a player whose very presence electrified the stadium. From his first minutes in the red shirt, the Kop sensed something extraordinary. Salah was never only a winger; he was a symbol of brilliance, a player capable of turning a quiet match into chaos with one shimmy, one cut inside, one curling finish that seemed to mock the laws of physics. He became a hero on Merseyside, a superstar in England, and an icon across the world. Fans marvelled at his speed, his dribbling, his clinical finishing, but beneath the statistics was a footballer driven by joy, pride, and a desire to write history for the supporters who adored him.
But in 2025, at 33 years of age, Salah finds himself navigating a chapter he has never experienced before. This 2025/26 campaign has brought challenges that even legends struggle to escape. The once-undroppable forward — the first name on the teamsheet for years — has faced something almost unimaginable: being benched. Supporters who watched him terrorise defences, score hat-tricks at Old Trafford, and break record after record now saw him watching from the sidelines, no longer the automatic starter he once was.
Liverpool had shown their belief in him by offering a two-year extension earlier in the year, despite endless rumours about his future. Pundits questioned whether he would stay, whether the Premier League’s intensity remained manageable for him, or whether a move abroad was on the horizon. The Saudi Pro League, now a magnet for superstar signings, was pushing aggressively for him. Clubs like Al Hilal and Al-Qadsiah prepared massive proposals that could have shaken any club’s finances. Yet Salah stayed loyal to Liverpool — the team he helped define in the modern era.
Still, the last few months have tested him. His blistering form has cooled, something natural at his age but unusual for a player of his calibre. Arne Slot leaving him out in a 2–0 win over West Ham intensified the debate surrounding his future. Fabrizio Romano and others reported that Liverpool were assessing long-term plans, while Saudi clubs continued to monitor him closely. Those same clubs were reportedly ready to revisit enormous offers — the kind that would dwarf most transfer bids in world football.
Back in September, Liverpool had rejected an eye-watering £100 million approach for Salah. Even the consideration of such a number reflected not only his on-pitch importance, but also the global influence he carries. Should a similar offer arrive in 2026, Salah could become the most expensive signing in Saudi Pro League history — exceeding even Neymar’s blockbuster move to Al Hilal in 2021.
This potential deal fits into the broader trend of the Saudi league acquiring major global talent. Malcom joined Al Hilal from Zenit in 2023 for nearly £58 million. Moussa Diaby left Aston Villa for Al-Ittihad in 2024 for the same fee. Mateo Retegui made headlines when he joined Al-Qadsiah for £60 million in 2025. Jhon Duran signed for Al-Nassr for £67.6 million in early 2025. Neymar’s £77.6 million transfer remains the current record. The league has grown far beyond its earlier reputation and is now a financial powerhouse capable of competing with Europe for elite names.
Premier League players have contributed heavily to these figures. Darwin Núñez departed for £46.6 million. Fabinho moved for £41 million. And if Salah were to leave, he would not simply be the next big transfer — he would be a landmark moment in modern football economics.
Among Liverpool fans, emotions are mixed. Some believe a £50–60 million offer should be accepted, given his age and contract situation. Others insist the club should only consider a fee that breaks Saudi transfer records. Many still point to that rejected £100 million bid, wondering if Liverpool would — or should — turn down such a number again. The debate is fierce, reflecting the immense respect Salah commands.
His legacy at Liverpool is undeniable. From the moment he arrived from Roma, through the hat-trick that silenced Old Trafford, to the countless Premier League milestones he shattered, he has cemented his place among the club’s greatest ever players. Now he stands at a crossroads: remain at Anfield and reinforce his status as a modern club legend, or embark on a new journey in a league that is rapidly transforming world football.
A move to Saudi Arabia would be more than a simple transfer. It would represent a cultural shift, an economic statement, and a milestone for the Middle Eastern football project. For Salah, it would offer financial security, a new challenge, and a chance to become the most expensive player in the league’s history. For Liverpool, it would trigger difficult questions about loyalty, squad planning, finances, and ambition.
Off the pitch, Salah’s impact extends far beyond football. He is a global role model — a figure admired for his professionalism, humility, and pride in his heritage. A transfer of this magnitude would create waves across continents, drawing global attention to the Saudi Pro League and potentially inspiring a new generation of players in the region.
If a new nine-figure bid arrives, Liverpool must decide between holding onto their talisman or accepting a fee that could reshape their squad. Fans continue to argue passionately online and in public, debating valuations, timing, and what Salah’s departure would mean for their title hopes.
Salah’s 2025/26 season is a story of evolution — of a legend confronting age, expectation, and the next phase of his career. He has always risen to challenges, from Egypt to Basel, Chelsea to Roma, and ultimately Liverpool. Even if his form has wavered, his aura has not. Whether he remains at Anfield or heads to Saudi Arabia, the final chapters of his story promise to be as fascinating as the early ones.
In the wider context, the Saudi Pro League continues to rewrite the narrative of global football. They no longer chase fading stars — they chase players who can transform entire clubs. Salah fits that ambition perfectly. He brings goals, prestige, and worldwide attention.
And as fans across the globe watch every development, one truth remains: Mohamed Salah is still one of the most influential footballers of his generation. His next move will shape not only his legacy, but also the trajectory of Liverpool and the ever-changing landscape of world football.
