Saudi Pro League CEO Omar Mugharbel has publicly acknowledged that several top-flight clubs in the Middle Eastern competition are actively pursuing Liverpool's Mohamed Salah. This confirmation follows the Egyptian superstar's explosive public dispute with manager Arne Slot, which culminated in Salah being omitted from Liverpool's Champions League squad for their recent victory over Inter Milan.
Mugharbel made the remarks during the World Football Summit in Riyadh, stating unequivocally: "Mohamed Salah is among our targets and welcome in the Saudi League, though individual clubs handle all player negotiations." This represents the first official league acknowledgment of interest since Salah's weekend outburst where he claimed he'd been "thrown under the bus" amid Liverpool's struggles, alleging broken trust with Slot after being benched for the Leeds United draw.
While Liverpool previously rejected a reported £150 million offer from Al-Ittihad in 2023, Mugharbel's comments signal renewed urgency as January transfer window speculation intensifies. Not all Saudi stakeholders are enthusiastic, however. Al-Kholood chairman Ben Harburg criticized the potential move, calling Salah "a bad fit" due to his age and perceived underperformance since signing a lucrative Anfield contract extension in April. "He's 33, earned enormous sums at Liverpool, and hasn't delivered," Harburg asserted, advocating instead for younger stars like Vinicius Jr.
Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard weighed in on the controversy, suggesting Salah acted impulsively during his emotional interview. "He was a bit hasty and needs to course-correct with the manager," Gerrard stated, drawing parallels to Luis Suarez's 2013 fallout with Brendan Rodgers. "I've lived this Suarez-Rodgers situation before – players make emotional mistakes when frustrated, but reconciliation is possible." Gerrard emphasized Salah's critical importance to Liverpool's title hopes despite his current dip in form.
With Salah managing just four Premier League goals in 13 appearances this season, Liverpool sits precariously in 10th place – only three points from the Champions League spots. The club faces Brighton this Saturday before Salah departs for the Africa Cup of Nations. Gerrard stressed that resolving the impasse remains vital: "Liverpool desperately need their top scorer back firing on all cylinders to escape this slump." The situation continues evolving rapidly as Saudi interest gains unprecedented official validation.
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