Mohamed Salah is set to be offered the chance to become the new face of the Saudi Pro League this summer. The 33-year-old could triple his £400,000-a-week Liverpool salary if he accepts a proposal that would conclude his nine-year tenure at Anfield.
The mercurial forward has been warned by Saudi Pro League officials that no player will be allowed to influence decisions made by an independent transfer committee established to prevent clubs from overspending themselves into financial trouble.
Reports suggest that the ex-Manchester United and Juventus striker will now aim to return to Europe to fulfil his ambition of reaching the coveted 1,000-goal milestone.
The Saudis made an approach for Salah last summer and he has stayed at the top of their wishlist, despite committing his future to Liverpool after last season’s title success.
However, his recent falling-out with Liverpool boss Arne Slot, which resulted in the Anfield icon being dropped after openly criticising his treatment by the Dutch manager, has fuelled suggestions that he may pursue a new opportunity at the season’s end.
The possibility of reducing Salah’s considerable wage bill could appeal to Liverpool’s hierarchy, who would also be looking at a significant transfer fee should the Saudis firm up their interest in the months ahead.
They would prefer to have any deal wrapped up before Salah heads off to the World Cup with Egypt.
Salah, who turns 34 in June, has appeared in Liverpool’s previous four fixtures since rejoining the squad following the setback of Egypt’s semi-final defeat to Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations.
He is expected to feature in Sunday’s vital league fixture against Manchester City, though he has found it difficult to rediscover the form that has established his reputation as an Anfield legend.
Salah has managed just six goals in all competitions and has found the net in only four Premier League fixtures as the defending champions have stumbled in their title challenge.
Since his £43million move from Roma in the summer of 2017, the forward has netted 251 goals for Liverpool and has secured two Premier League titles, the Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.