Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has become a confirmed target for Saudi Pro League clubs, according to league chief Omar Mugharbel, following a public fallout with manager Arne Slot. The 33-year-old Egypt international was omitted from the squad for Liverpool’s 1-0 Champions League win at Inter Milan and has expressed frustration over his role in the team.

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Saudi Interest in Salah

Speaking at the World Football Summit in Riyadh, Mugharbel said:

“Mohamed Salah is welcome in the Saudi League, but it is the clubs that are responsible for negotiating with players. For sure Salah is one of them [a target].”

Interest in Salah from Saudi clubs is not new. Reports indicate a £150m bid from Al-Ittihad was rejected by Liverpool in September 2023. However, this is the first time a Saudi league official has publicly commented on Salah’s potential move following his controversial statements about Liverpool’s poor form and alleged tensions with Slot.

Not all Saudi clubs are convinced of Salah’s suitability. Al-Kholood chairman Ben Harburg criticized the idea, suggesting the club would prefer a younger talent like Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr over the 33-year-old:

“He’s 33 years old, got paid a boatload, and has underperformed massively since then… If it were between him and Vinicius, I’d take Vinicius.”

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Salah’s Current Situation at Liverpool

Salah, who extended his Liverpool contract for two more years in April, expressed frustration after the 3-3 draw at Leeds, claiming he had been unfairly blamed for the team’s poor form. While Slot maintains Salah could still return to the squad, the public nature of the disagreement has fueled speculation about a potential January transfer.

Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard commented on Salah’s emotional response, comparing it to Luis Suarez’s fallout with Brendan Rodgers in 2013:

“He’s obviously really upset he’s not playing… A couple of lines about throwing people under the bus were wrong. [He] needs to deal with that with the manager… In time he’ll realise he was a bit emotional, a bit hasty.”

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Salah’s Impact at Liverpool

Since joining from Roma in 2017, Salah has been pivotal for Liverpool, helping the club win two Premier League titles and the 2019 Champions League. Despite this, he has struggled this season, scoring only four goals in 13 Premier League appearances, with Liverpool currently 10th in the table, just three points off fourth-placed Crystal Palace.

Gerrard emphasized Salah’s importance to the Reds:

“At the end of the day Liverpool need Mo Salah back playing well, back scoring goals, because he is the best player, the best scorer, and he will help them get out of this.”

Salah will soon join Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after Liverpool’s next Premier League game against Brighton at Anfield.