Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian forward who transformed the club into a dominant force in English and European football, announced his departure at the end of the current season after nine remarkable years at Anfield. Salah, who joined from Roma in 2017 for a reported £36.9 million, leaves behind a legacy that includes breaking numerous scoring records and leading Liverpool to major silverware. His impact was immediate and profound, helping end the club's 30-year wait for a Premier League title in the 2019-20 season and securing another in 2024-25, alongside the Champions League triumph in 2018-19.
The news of Salah's exit, confirmed earlier this week, has sent ripples through the football world, prompting speculation about his next destination. At 32 years old, Salah remains one of the game's elite attackers, with 238 goals in 392 appearances for Liverpool, making him the club's all-time leading scorer in the Premier League era. His decision to leave comes as his contract expires in June 2025, allowing him to depart on a free transfer and potentially command a lucrative deal elsewhere.
One of the most prominent rumors points to the Saudi Pro League, where ambitious clubs have been aggressively recruiting global stars in recent years. Following the arrivals of Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr and Karim Benzema at Al Hilal, the league positions itself as a lucrative option for high-profile players like Salah. "The SPL is one of the few leagues that could afford him -- and make up for some of the earnings lost by giving up the final year of his contract at Liverpool," according to ESPN sources familiar with the matter.
Al Ittihad emerges as the frontrunner in Saudi Arabia, having previously launched a staggering $200 million bid for Salah in September 2023 that was ultimately rejected by Liverpool. The club, which lost Benzema to rivals Al Hilal in the last transfer window, has reportedly resumed its pursuit. "Sources in Saudi Arabia have told ESPN that the feeling in the country is that Al Ittihad are the most likely club to emerge as front-runner for his signature," Rob Dawson, ESPN's Manchester correspondent, reported.
Another Saudi contender is Al Qadsiah, currently managed by Brendan Rodgers, the former Liverpool boss who departed Anfield in 2015, just over a year before Salah's arrival. Rodgers has specifically requested a right winger to bolster his squad, and Al Qadsiah is eager to sign a marquee player ahead of the opening of their new stadium later this year -- a venue slated to host matches at the 2034 World Cup. The club's ambitions align with the broader Saudi push to elevate its domestic league on the global stage.
Potential interest could also come from Al Diriyah and Al Ula, though both would need to secure promotion to the Saudi Pro League first. In contrast, Al Hilal, fresh off signing Benzema in February, is considered unlikely to enter the race for the Egypt international, according to ESPN's reporting.
Beyond the Middle East, European giants have long been linked with Salah, but current assessments suggest limited appetite. At Barcelona, the idea of signing Salah on a free transfer might have appealed in the past, as the club has successfully integrated veterans like Ilkay Gündogan and Sergio Aguero without transfer fees. However, club sources indicate a shift in strategy toward younger talents this summer. With 17-year-old Lamine Yamal entrenched on the right wing and Raphinha as the left-sided starter, Barcelona is prioritizing reinforcements like a potential loan return for Manchester United's Marcus Rashford or even younger prospects, alongside a new striker. "Salah is not being considered for either of those roles given the level of salary he would command," Sam Marsden of ESPN reported, citing sources close to the club.
Real Madrid, another club historically associated with Salah's ambitions, appears equally uninterested at this juncture. The Spanish giants have a track record of snapping up elite free agents, including Kylian Mbappé, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rüdiger, and David Alaba. Yet, Salah's impending 34th birthday in June 2025 raises concerns. Madrid has traditionally avoided long-term contracts for players over 30, particularly those with Salah's substantial wage demands, which could exceed £350,000 per week. "A move for him would represent a radical change in policy," Alex Kirkland, ESPN's Madrid correspondent, noted. While the club may seek experienced players in midfield or defense to balance its youthful core and offset potential departures, a pursuit of Salah would be unexpected.
Paris Saint-Germain, which flirted with Salah for years under president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi -- who has a strong relationship with the player's agent -- has also moved on. The French club, which won last season's Champions League, is now focusing on its young stars rather than veteran acquisitions. "For a number of reasons, Salah no longer fits PSG's project," Julien Laurens of ESPN explained, highlighting the shift away from high-cost, aging superstars.
Rumors of a move to Turkish side Galatasaray surfaced shortly after Salah's announcement, but insiders dismiss them. "A source has told ESPN that the Turkish club have not discussed moving for Salah, with any deal being highly unlikely given they pushed the boat out to sign Leroy Sané from Bayern Munich last summer," Dawson added.
Across the Atlantic, Major League Soccer views Salah as a potential coup that could boost the league's profile. MLS Commissioner Don Garber expressed enthusiasm during a panel at the Sports Business Journal's Business of Soccer event in Atlanta last week. "I would love to see [Salah] in our league," Garber said. "I couldn't say that until he announced that he was leaving Liverpool. But what a great player he would be in MLS. And I think that we would provide him with a great platform."
Inter Miami, home to Lionel Messi, faces logistical hurdles. The club currently lacks an open Designated Player slot, with Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, and recent signing Germán Berterame occupying the three positions through at least 2028. De Paul's path to Miami involved a mid-season loan that transitioned into a permanent DP deal after Sergio Busquets' contract expired, but timing works against Salah. "Salah's departure from Liverpool, however, comes at a difficult time for Inter Miami to reshuffle DPs," Lizzy Becherano of ESPN reported.
No MLS teams have confirmed pursuits, though. San Diego FC, backed by Egyptian businessman Sir Mohamed Mansour, is "not at the moment" working on a deal, per an ESPN source. The Chicago Fire, which has eyed stars like Neymar in the past, has "nothing concrete" regarding Salah. LAFC, committed to a strategy of two Designated Players and four under-22 initiative signings, declined comment but appears constrained, though circumstances could evolve by summer.
Jeff Carlisle, ESPN's MLS reporter, emphasized the broader appeal: while Garber's vision is clear, concrete interest remains elusive. As Salah weighs his options, factors like financial packages, playing time, and legacy considerations will play key roles. His departure marks the end of an era for Liverpool, but wherever he lands, the 32-year-old's influence on the pitch is far from over.
The football community reflects on Salah's journey from his early days at Basel and Chelsea to his rebirth at Roma before Liverpool stardom. Off the field, his role as Egypt's national team captain and philanthropist adds layers to his global icon status. As clubs position themselves, the coming months promise intense transfer intrigue, with Salah's choice potentially reshaping leagues from Riyadh to Miami.