Money wafting at Mohamed Salah's face is not enough to make him to move to Saudi Arabia.
Mohamed Salah is approaching the final year of his Liverpool contract and the future of the Egyptian superstar remains a topic of intense speculation.
According to the Echo one key factor influencing Salah’s decision-making process is the quality of the Saudi Pro League and the notable decline in his former teammate Sadio Mane's reputation since moving there.
Sadio Mane, who left Liverpool for Al-Nassr in the summer of 2023, has experienced a challenging transition. Despite a strong start, scoring 13 goals in his debut season, Mane's reputation has taken a hit.
His former club, Bayern Munich, struggled during his tenure there before his move, and his performances in Saudi Arabia have not been enough to elevate Al-Nassr to the top of the league.
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This decline in Mane's standing has reportedly made Mohamed Salah wary of a similar fate. Salah, who has been a pivotal figure at Liverpool since his arrival in 2017, is observing the impact of playing in the Saudi Pro League on Mane's career with interest.
The league, while growing in stature and financial power, has yet to fully convince many players of its long-term appeal, especially those accustomed to Europe's top leagues.
Money is not a problem
While the financial allure of the Saudi Pro League is significant—evidenced by lucrative offers made to stars like Salah—it appears not to be the primary motivating factor for him.
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Al-Ittihad, one of the league's leading clubs, has previously made a massive bid for Salah, which Liverpool rejected. Reports suggest that a renewed approach is likely in 2025, when Salah’s contract expires.
However, despite the enticing salary packages offered by Saudi clubs, Salah remains inclined towards staying at Liverpool.
Salah’s current deal, signed in 2022, made him the highest-paid player in Liverpool's history, with earnings approaching £1 million per week including when including endorsements.
This level of financial security, combined with his prominent role at Liverpool, appears to outweigh the monetary offers from Saudi Arabia.
Salah’s performance in the Premier League continues to reflect his commitment to Liverpool, with the forward already netting in each of the team's first three games of the 2024-25 season under new manager Arne Slot.
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Liverpool's management faces a crucial task as they work to secure Salah's future. With key players like Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold also nearing the end of their contracts, the club must navigate a period of potential upheaval. Losing Salah, a player of his calibre, would represent a significant blow, both on and off the pitch.
Salah’s recent comments indicate a desire to enjoy his remaining time at Liverpool and assess his options beyond this season. “I feel I am free to play football – we will see what happens next year,” Salah remarked after a strong start to the season.
This openness to continuing at Anfield suggests that, for now, his preference leans towards an extension with Liverpool rather than a move to Saudi Arabia.