Saudi Pro League, the US or Europe – what are Salah's options?
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In Saudi's eyes, Salah is a huge asset as the number one Muslim footballer in the world and, in that sense, it is a no-brainer. This was in Jurgen Klopp's final season before Arne Slot took over and guided the Reds to the Premier League title, fuelled by Salah's incredible season of goals and assists.So what might the options be in the Saudi Pro League (SPL)?The 'big four' of Al-Ahli, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr, who are owned by the country's Public Investment Fund (PIF), know the impact Salah could have on the league as a global product.Away from these clubs, Al-Qadsiah, who are managed by former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, are backed by Aramco, Saudi's oil company, and may well be interested.With Salah now able to move for a free, that interest will certainly not dwindle and at 33, the SPL will be licking its lips at the prospect of having Salah and Cristiano Ronaldo at the same.
Salah's currently on £20m a year so finances won't be an issue. "If somebody puts forward an actual project to Salah, then that could be interesting, whether that's the SPL or the MLS."By his immense standards, Salah is having a below-par season but he still has 10 goals and nine assists across all competitions.When you compare that to the immense levels he has set - last year, he had the most goals (29) and assists (18) in the Premier League - then it's easy to say his output had dropped.Crucially, Salah still believes he's good enough to compete in the Champions League and he could very much be an asset for top European sides.For context, Harry Kane is a year younger and still excelling in both the Bundesliga and the Champions League.
However, it is hard to see Salah moving to another top Premier League club.Newcastle are Saudi-owned, but, given the club's financial constraints under profit and sustainability rules, such a signing is unlikely."Only a handful of European clubs could afford his wages," says Maguire. In Lamine Yamal, Barcelona have a superstar in Salah's position while Madrid also looked well stocked in that area.So all the analysis points to Saudi against the MLS at this stage.