Salah's Anfield Farewell: Saudi Millions Beckon, But Europe Still Calls
The whispers have turned into a roar. Mohamed Salah is leaving Liverpool. It feels like the end of an era, doesn't it? Seven years, 211 goals in 349 appearances, a Premier League title in 2020, and the Champions League in 2019. He's a legend, plain and simple. But even legends move on, especially when a new manager, Arne Slot, is coming in and the old guard is slowly being phased out. The question now isn't *if* he's going, but *where* he's going.
The Saudi Arabian Gravy Train
Let's be real, Saudi Arabia is the most likely destination. Al-Ittihad tried to sign him last summer with a reported £150 million bid, which Liverpool, to their credit, flat-out rejected. That was a year ago. Salah is 32 now, and while he still bagged 25 goals across all competitions in 2023-24, his blistering pace isn't quite what it was in his 32-goal debut season in 2017-18. The Saudi Pro League offers astronomical wages, the kind no European club is really willing to pay for a player entering the twilight of his career, no matter how brilliant. Think Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Al-Nassr in 2022, or Karim Benzema joining Al-Ittihad. Salah would be the biggest name yet to make the jump, and he'd undoubtedly receive a contract north of £100 million per year. He'd instantly become the league's undisputed star, elevating its profile even further. This isn't just about money for Salah, it's about cementing his legacy as a global icon in a region where he already holds immense cultural significance.
A European Swan Song?
But what if Salah still has that competitive fire burning for the top level? It's a long shot, I'll grant you, but not impossible. If he wants to stay in Europe, the options are far more limited. Paris Saint-Germain is always in the market for a superstar, especially with Kylian Mbappé heading to Real Madrid. Imagine Salah linking up with Ousmane Dembélé and Randal Kolo Muani. PSG could easily afford his wages and a hefty transfer fee, even if it's less than what the Saudis would offer. The problem? Ligue 1 isn't the Premier League, and Salah might see it as a step down in competition, despite the Champions League aspirations.
Then there's Real Madrid, though that feels like a fantasy. They just signed Mbappé and have Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo. Where does Salah fit? Barcelona is broke. Bayern Munich rarely spends big on older players. A return to Italy, perhaps with Juventus or Inter Milan? He played for Fiorentina and Roma before, but the Serie A isn't what it once was. Here's my hot take: if Salah stays in Europe, he won't be playing for a traditional powerhouse. He'd be more likely to join a club like Newcastle United, desperate for a marquee signing and backed by Saudi money, but still playing in the Premier League.
The Anfield Legacy
Real talk: Salah leaving is going to sting. He's been the face of Liverpool's attack for so long, a consistent goal machine who rarely missed a game. His 18 Premier League goals in 2023-24 were crucial, even if the team's form dipped towards the end of Jürgen Klopp's tenure. But maybe it's time for both parties to move on. Liverpool needs to rebuild, and Salah deserves one last massive payday and a chance to be the undisputed king somewhere new. It's a business, after all.
My bold prediction? Mohamed Salah will be unveiled as an Al-Ittihad player by August 1st, signing a two-year deal worth an eye-watering sum, and Liverpool will pocket around £80 million for their departing king.