Saudi Arabia are preparing an aggressive move to sign Mohamed Salah in January, with a senior source inside the Public Investment Fund (PIF) telling Al Jazeera that they will “do whatever it can” to secure the Liverpool forward as tensions at Anfield reach breaking point.
The comments represent the clearest sign yet that Saudi clubs are ready to capitalise on Salah’s deteriorating relationship with manager Arne Slot. The 33-year-old accused Liverpool of “throwing him under the bus” after being benched in recent Premier League matches, and he was subsequently left out of the squad entirely for the Champions League tie against Inter Milan.
The PIF source confirmed that Saudi Arabia are monitoring the stand-off closely. “We follow Salah’s position thoroughly and believe there can be a move either by loan or buying his contract,” they said, while stressing that official talks with Liverpool have not yet begun. “There will be a move at the right moment.”
Salah is due to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations after Liverpool’s match against Brighton this weekend, and privately the player has indicated that the fixture could be his final outing for the club. With his relationship with Slot now fractured, senior figures at Liverpool are bracing for bids during the winter window.
PIF hold majority stakes in Saudi powerhouses Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ahli and Al Ittihad, but the source revealed that competition for Salah extends beyond the state-backed clubs. “There is a competition inside the Saudi league who will bring Salah,” they said. “Aramco’s Al Qadsiah has shown interest, too.”
Any bid would still need to match Liverpool’s valuation, though Saudi clubs are confident the fee will be far lower than the £150 million offered in 2023. Salah’s age, contract situation and public frustration have shifted the dynamics significantly, and PIF believe a deal can be structured to ensure Liverpool receive a respectable sum while Salah becomes the league’s next global figurehead.
The 33-year-old remains the Arab world’s most decorated and influential footballer, and the impact of his arrival would be enormous. Saudi officials believe Salah would surpass Cristiano Ronaldo’s commercial reach within the region and attract unprecedented global attention to the league.
On the pitch, Salah’s form this season has reflected Liverpool’s wider struggles. The reigning league champions sit tenth in the table, and Salah has returned just four goals from 13 Premier League appearances — far below the levels that helped him record 29 goals and 18 assists last season. But Saudi clubs do not view his dip as cause for concern. “All players have ups and downs,” the PIF source said. “Salah is beloved around the globe and will have a massive impact on the Saudi League.”
For Liverpool, the timing of the saga is deeply problematic. Slot’s squad has shown inconsistency throughout the season, and Salah’s absence for AFCON will leave a considerable hole in their attack. Losing him permanently in January would necessitate immediate reinvestment, particularly as the club reshapes its identity under the Dutchman.
Still, the relationship appears to be beyond repair. Salah has made clear he no longer feels aligned with the direction of the club, while Liverpool are reluctant to offer assurances regarding his long-term role. With Saudi Arabia prepared to move decisively and Salah’s camp open to discussions, the stage appears set for one of the most dramatic mid-season transfers in recent Premier League history.
As January approaches, Salah’s exit feels increasingly inevitable — and Saudi Arabia are now openly signalling that they intend to make him their next global centrepiece.