The future of Mohamed Salah has become one of the most talked-about topics in world football, with uncertainty surrounding his relationship with Liverpool reaching a critical stage. What once appeared to be a stable partnership now looks fragile following a highly emotional aftermath to Liverpool’s dramatic 3–3 draw against Leeds United on Sunday, December 7, 2025.
In the wake of that match, Salah publicly accused the club of having “sacrificed” him and went as far as claiming that his relationship with head coach Arne Slot had completely broken down. The comments sent shockwaves through the Liverpool fanbase and immediately sparked widespread speculation about whether the Egyptian superstar’s time at Anfield was coming to an abrupt end.
From Key Player to Omitted Squad Member
Following his explosive remarks, Salah was notably left out of Liverpool’s travelling squad for the Champions League trip to face Inter Milan, a match the Reds won 1–0 without him. His absence was widely interpreted as a disciplinary decision rather than a fitness-related issue.
The situation appears unresolved. Salah is expected to miss Liverpool’s upcoming Premier League fixture against Brighton as well, before departing to join Egypt’s national team for the Africa Cup of Nations 2025. With no official clarification from the club, speculation has intensified that Salah may have already played his final game in a Liverpool shirt.
While Liverpool have yet to confirm any imminent departure, the silence surrounding the winger’s status has only fueled rumors of a January 2026 exit.
Saudi Pro League Emerges as a Likely Destination
If Salah does leave Anfield in the upcoming transfer window, the Saudi Pro League is widely viewed as the most realistic destination. Over the past two years, Saudi clubs have aggressively pursued elite global talent, reshaping the footballing landscape with unprecedented financial power.
Top Saudi sides such as Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli, and Al-Nassr are reportedly monitoring Salah’s situation closely. For the league, signing a player of Salah’s stature—arguably the most influential African footballer of his generation—would represent another major statement of intent.
However, a move to Saudi Arabia may not be as straightforward as it appears.
Saudi Pro League Rules That Could Complicate Salah’s Transfer
According to a 2023 report by The New York Times, the Saudi Pro League introduced stricter financial regulations following a surge in high-profile signings. These measures were designed to control spending and prevent reckless wage inflation across the league.
One of the most significant rules stipulates that any player demanding an annual salary exceeding $3 million must receive direct approval from the league’s central governing body—not just from the individual club.
This presents a major obstacle for Salah. Under the contract he signed with Liverpool late last season, the Egyptian earns nearly £21 million per year, placing him far above the threshold that triggers league intervention.
In addition, there is another regulation that could prove even more problematic. If a player or their agent is found to be using one club as leverage to negotiate a higher salary elsewhere, they risk being blacklisted by the league entirely.
This rule puts Salah and his long-time agent Ramy Abbas under intense scrutiny. Any suggestion that Saudi interest is being used as a bargaining tool—either with Liverpool or another European club—could instantly derail a potential move.
A Transfer That Could Eclipse Even Ronaldo’s Arrival
World football’s attention first turned decisively toward Saudi Arabia when Cristiano Ronaldo signed for Al-Nassr in early 2023. The move was seen as a watershed moment, signaling Saudi Arabia’s ambition to position itself as a global football hub.
Since then, stars such as Neymar, Karim Benzema, and Sadio Mané have followed, but many believe that Salah’s arrival would surpass them all in symbolic value. Unlike some of his predecessors, Salah remains at the peak of his powers.
Just eight months ago, he was named Premier League Player of the Season for 2024/2025, leading Liverpool to the league title with a blend of goals, assists, and leadership. Few could have predicted that his future would look so uncertain so soon afterward.
What Comes Next for Salah?
Despite the growing uncertainty, Salah’s footballing quality remains beyond doubt. Should a move to Saudi Arabia materialize, he would instantly become one of the league’s most marketable and dangerous attacking players, capable of competing for the Golden Boot alongside Ronaldo and other elite forwards.
However, the strict financial and ethical rules governing the Saudi Pro League mean that negotiations must be handled with extreme care. One misstep—real or perceived—could see Salah shut out of what many consider his most likely next destination.
For now, Salah’s future hangs in the balance. Whether he reconciles with Liverpool, secures a Saudi transfer, or surprises everyone with an alternative move remains to be seen.
What is certain is this: Mohamed Salah’s next decision will shape not only the final chapter of his career, but also the evolving power dynamics of global football.
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