Salah Opens Talks with Al-Ittihad Over Saudi Switch as December Row Casts Long Shadow

The writing appears increasingly clear on the wall for Mohamed Salah at Liverpool, with the Egyptian winger now in active talks with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ittihad regarding a summer departure.

French outlet Foot Mercato reports that Salah's representatives have already begun negotiations with the Saudi club, who recently saw Karim Benzema depart for Al-Hilal. Crucially, the 33-year-old is displaying considerably more willingness to make the move east than he showed previously, marking a significant shift in his thinking.

The backdrop to these discussions remains the December crisis that engulfed Anfield. Following Liverpool's chaotic 3-3 draw with Leeds United that month, Salah publicly vented his frustrations at being scapegoated for the team's poor run of form and alleged the relationship with Slot had broken down entirely. The club's hierarchy and manager subsequently axed him from the squad to face Inter Milan before diplomatic efforts restored him for a 2-0 victory over Brighton.

Though the immediate tension has eased—Salah received a warm reception from the Kop after the Brighton win—the damage appears permanent. Slot and the board reportedly agreed to shelve their differences with the winger until the campaign concludes, with an understanding that his departure would follow.

The financial incentive pulling Salah towards the Gulf is substantial. The Daily Mirror revealed that a move would see his wages balloon from around £400,000 weekly to £1.2m per week—effectively tripling his earnings and totalling £62.4m annually.

Foot Mercato notes that whilst the December turmoil "has subsided, it has nonetheless left its mark," and Al-Ittihad intend to capitalise on the circumstances. Salah, who has managed one goal and two assists across five appearances since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, is now actively permitting his agent to advance matters.

The club's position appears pragmatic: a transfer fee would arrive in the coffers, whilst Salah retains ultimate control over whether to proceed.

Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant believes the writing is already on the wall. Speaking to BetSelect, he suggested Bayern Munich's Michael Olise represents an ideal replacement should Salah depart. "I think the rest of this season will be Mohamed Salah's final few months at Liverpool," Pennant reflected. "The drop off in his performances is clear for everyone to see. It's night and day compared to what we saw from him over the previous eight seasons."

Pennant added: "If a Saudi Pro League club is willing to pay a good fee for him, Liverpool will take it and reinvest in the squad. If they let Salah go, Liverpool need to bring in a proper replacement. I'd personally love to see them sign Michael Olise from Bayern Munich."