Saudi Transfer Boost: Al-Ittihad Open Talks With Mohamed Salah Amid Liverpool Uncertainty

‎Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad are reportedly negotiating with Mohamed Salah over a potential summer transfer deal. Saudi teams have been tracking the Egyptian forward for several years, particularly since the Public Investment Fund began major investment into the nation’s top division. Salah, who has gone through a difficult and tense period at Liverpool this season, is being targeted as the club’s next major star signing.

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‎Al-Ittihad have reportedly started negotiations with Mohamed Salah ahead of a potential summer transfer, as Liverpool fight for Champions League qualification and manage squad challenges.

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‎Even after recently agreeing to a new Liverpool contract, Salah could still be on course for a summer exit. The forward played a crucial role in Liverpool’s Premier League title success during Arne Slot’s first campaign in charge. He registered 29 league goals last season — his best return since arriving at Liverpool in 2017-18 — and also contributed 18 assists. However, this season has seen a sharp drop in his scoring numbers.

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‎Since signing his contract extension in April, Salah has only scored four Premier League goals this season. Despite this, Saudi interest has not weakened. Foot Mercato reports that discussions between Salah and Al-Ittihad have begun, with greater belief that an agreement can be reached compared to last year. The 33-year-old is believed to be more willing to consider a move to the Middle East, where he could become the biggest name in the league, even with stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Sadio Mane already playing there.

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‎Al-Ittihad, one of four clubs owned by the Public Investment Fund, have struggled badly during their title defence campaign. The reigning champions currently sit seventh in the table, 16 points behind leaders Al-Hilal after 20 matches. Their squad also suffered setbacks during the January transfer window when two key players departed.

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‎Karim Benzema joined Al-Hilal and is chasing another Pro League title, while N’Golo Kante returned to Europe by signing for Turkish club Fenerbahce. As it stands, Al-Ittihad’s most notable players include Fabinho, Moussa Diaby, Houssem Aouar, and recent addition Youssef En-Nesyri.

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‎Reports of Al-Ittihad targeting Salah are unsurprising, especially as the club had already identified him as their preferred replacement for Benzema recently.

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‎Earlier in the season, Salah’s drop in form resulted in him being removed from the starting lineup by Slot. After three matches as a substitute, Salah publicly criticized Liverpool in December, stating he had been “thrown under the bus.” He also claimed his relationship with Slot had broken down and that he was unfairly blamed for the team’s inconsistent form.

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‎Soon after those comments, Salah left to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations. Since returning, he has regained his place in the starting XI and has started all five matches since rejoining the squad. He has scored once during that period, netting in Liverpool’s 6-0 Champions League victory against Qarabag.

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‎While speculation over Salah’s future is expected to continue for the rest of the season, Liverpool must stay focused on their objectives. The club is currently involved in a tense fight to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

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‎Liverpool have dropped out of the top four after recording just one win in their last seven league matches. That sequence began with four draws before losses to Bournemouth and Manchester City. The Reds now sit five points behind Manchester United, who hold fourth place. The gap could extend to eight points if United defeat West Ham United on Tuesday before Liverpool play Sunderland on Thursday evening.

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‎Slot is also dealing with multiple injury concerns, with Alexander Isak, Joe Gomez, Jeremie Frimpong, and Conor Bradley all sidelined. In addition, Dominik Szoboszlai is suspended for one match following his late red card in Sunday’s loss to Manchester City.