Salah Set for Saudi Switch as Al-Ittihad Emerge as Clear Frontrunners

Liverpool and Mohamed Salah have confirmed the Egyptian's exit from Anfield this summer, with the 33-year-old departing as a free agent.

The forward's form has taken a marked downturn this season following a two-year contract extension through 2027 agreed last term. Both the club and player have determined that a parting of ways represents the best outcome for everyone involved.

Salah's availability on a free transfer opens up an array of possibilities across Europe, the MLS, and the Middle East. However, one destination appears to be pulling clear of the pack.

Al-Ittihad have long harboured ambitions of landing the Liverpool star and are now positioned as the primary suitors. The Saudi outfit previously saw a £150m offer rejected by the Reds in 2023, but that setback has not deterred them.

Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke suggests an announcement could arrive swiftly, with Saudi Arabia representing Salah's most probable next home. "They've had a long-term interest in Mohamed Salah, he's been seen as the potential poster boy of the league and the Middle East," O'Rourke explained. "Obviously, they tried to sign him in 2023 when Al Ittihad had that £150million bid turned down by Liverpool, and that interest hasn't gone away."

With Salah now available on a free transfer, O'Rourke believes Saudi interest will intensify considerably. "At the moment, you would say a move to the Saudi Pro League is most likely for Salah."

Former Liverpool midfielder Gary McAllister concurs that the Saudi route appears most likely, though he stopped short of labelling it purely a financial play. "But who knows, maybe he fancies a change of lifestyle somewhere else, like MLS. I don't know what he's thinking at all," McAllister told Grosvenor Casinos.

McAllister noted that Salah's geographical background could make a Middle Eastern move particularly appealing. "Because of where Mo Salah comes from geographically, moving to that region might appeal to him even more. In the Middle East, he is a proper superstar, so that would be a massive boost for the league."

He added: "I think he's already on a decent salary. But a lot of the pointers suggest Saudi Arabia. That said, I still think there's a wee bit left in his legs."