Critical crossroads for Liverpool: Deciding Mo Salah’s fate amidst £17bn Saudi Pro League proposal
The football world is buzzing with reports that the Saudi Pro League has been bestowed with an astronomical £17 billion transfer budget spread over seven years to acquire top football stars. This unprecedented financial power has already led to the departure of some of Europe’s finest players, posing a potential threat to Liverpool’s lineup, particularly when it comes to their star player, Mohamed Salah.
Already this summer, Saudi Arabia has lured away the likes of Roberto Firmino, Karim Benzema, and N’Golo Kante with lucrative offers that dwarfed their previous salaries. The latest target is none other than the prodigious Kylian Mbappe, whose services have been secured by Al Hilal for a staggering £259 million after PSG accepted the bid.
Contrary to expectations, the spending spree doesn’t seem likely to subside, with reports from CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs revealing that the Saudi Pro League has a colossal £17 billion at its disposal to spend between now and 2030. Not stopping there, the league has its sights set on further marquee signings, such as Neymar and Luka Modric, with Robert Lewandowski being a prime target for the 2024 season, despite the striker’s reluctance to move.
Amidst this extravagant splurge, Liverpool finds itself in a precarious position. Several of their stars, including club captain Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, have already attracted interest from Saudi Pro League sides, raising concerns about potential raids on the Reds’ prized assets.
One such key player is Mohamed Salah, who has yet to receive any concrete offers from Saudi Arabian clubs, despite Qatar-based outlet Alkass reporting interest from them in June. At present, a move away from Anfield in this summer transfer window appears unlikely, with Salah expressing his commitment to Liverpool on Twitter, vowing to propel them back into Premier League title contention.
However, the worry for Liverpool lies in the uncertainty of future summers. As one of the world’s elite footballers, Salah would naturally be an enticing target for Saudi clubs, especially given that his contract will have only a year left by the end of the upcoming season. The question remains whether Salah would be receptive to such an approach or if he will choose to extend his contract with Liverpool.
The impending challenge for Liverpool revolves around the possibility of Saudi Pro League spending continuing unabated each year. This might force the Reds to make a tough decision next summer—whether to sell Salah and capitalize on a fraction of the £17 billion budget or attempt to persuade him to remain at Anfield for the long term.
As the clock ticks down to the transfer windows and spending frenzy, Liverpool finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with the delicate balance between securing their star player’s loyalty and navigating the colossal financial might of the Saudi Pro League. The outcome of this saga remains uncertain, but one thing is for sure—the landscape of football is witnessing an unprecedented shift in power and financial dynamics that could reshape the sport’s competitive landscape.