Saudi Targets Salah For Winter Move Amid Liverpool Tensions

Saudi Arabia is determined to recruit Liverpool star Mohamed Salah during the winter transfer window, with a source from the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) telling AFP on Tuesday that they will do “whatever it can.”

“We follow Salah’s position thoroughly and believe there can be a move either by loan or buying his contract,” the anonymous PIF source stated, referencing the current discord between the Egyptian forward and Liverpool. “There are still no direct negotiations or talks with the club at the moment, but there will be a move at the right moment.”

The wealthy Gulf monarchy aims to sign the Egyptian winger in January, hoping he will join other global stars like Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi league. PIF holds a 75 per cent share in Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, and Al-Ittihad. However, the source revealed that interest in the Arab world’s biggest football star extends beyond PIF-affiliated clubs. “There is a competition inside the Saudi league who will bring Salah,” the source added, noting that Aramco’s Al Qadsiah has also “shown an interest.”

Salah, 33, recently expressed feeling “thrown under the bus” by Liverpool after being an unused substitute in Sunday’s 3-3 draw with Leeds, hinting at a breakdown in his relationship with manager Arne Slot. He was subsequently omitted from Liverpool’s squad for their Champions League tie at Inter Milan on Tuesday.

Despite his current struggles, Salah has been pivotal in Liverpool’s two Premier League titles and one Champions League triumph. He signed a contract extension in April, leading the club to the title last season.

However, he has been a shadow of his former self this season, with only four goals in 13 top-flight appearances as the title-holders sit 10th in the table. Last season, Salah scored 29 goals and provided 18 assists.

Salah is set to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations after next weekend’s home match against Brighton in the Premier League, a game he hinted could be his last for the Reds before a potential winter transfer.

The PIF source remains optimistic about Salah’s potential impact: “All players have their ups and downs. Salah is just 33 and has a lot to do here. Salah is a beloved footballer around the globe and will have a massive impact on the Saudi League both on and off the pitch.”