Al-Hilal are preparing to make a move for Mohamed Salah in the January transfer window, after the Egyptian star shocked the world by claiming Liverpool “no longer want him”
Salah recently publicly criticized Liverpool and coach Arne Slot after the 3-3 draw with Leeds. This was also the third consecutive match the Egyptian star had to sit on the bench. The striker even claimed that he was “thrown under the bus” by the coaching staff and the team’s leadership.
Salah even hinted that this weekend’s match against Brighton at Anfield could be his last for the Reds. After the match with Brighton, he will return to join the Egyptian national team for the Africa Cup of Nations and will only return in mid-January, when he is likely to leave.
Saudi Pro League teams have long considered Salah a top target, who is expected to become Cristiano Ronaldo’s “successor” in the tournament. Despite interest from several clubs, Al-Hilal, who signed Darwin Nunez from Liverpool in the summer, are still considered the frontrunners.
Saudi Pro League clubs are ready to sign Mohamed Salah.
However, the transfer fee is likely to be much lower than the £150m figure that was proposed two years ago. Salah’s age and public dissatisfaction with the club have led Saudi clubs to believe they can get the deal done for a “softer” price.
Salah has accused Liverpool of not keeping their word on the new contract signed in April. With Saudi clubs having cut back on spending after their historic “splash” two years ago, Salah will still be given a big exemption.
Recruitment in the SPL is currently coordinated centrally by PACE, the centre run by former Chelsea director Michael Emenalo. Middle Eastern sources say Salah is considered to be in the “elite” group and Emenalo has a close relationship with his agent.
When asked about the possibility of moving to Saudi Arabia, Salah refused to answer: “I don’t want to answer this question right now. The club might take me in another direction, so I don’t want to say anything more.”
Salah has previously revealed that he had held talks with Saudi clubs before renewing his contract with Liverpool. He told ON Sport: “I have a very good relationship with SPL officials, we spoke a lot and the negotiations were very serious. If I hadn’t renewed with Liverpool, the deal would have happened.”