Report: Could Liverpool Lose Their Star to Al Hilal Next Summer? | OneFootball

Will Mo Salah Leave Liverpool? Al Hilal’s Determination Sparks New Concerns

Mohamed Salah’s potential move to Al Hilal ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup has reignited fears among Liverpool fans. With Saudi interest lingering and “the Egyptian King” himself dropping hints on social media, Liverpool’s star forward could be poised for a significant departure from Anfield next summer.

This report from TalkSport, shared by Saudi football correspondent Ben Jacobs, highlights Al Hilal’s strategy to bring Salah on board before June 2025, aiming to showcase him in a tournament that could see him face Lionel Messi, now at Inter Miami. The timing and context make this development a pivotal one for Liverpool as the transfer market heats up once again.

Why Al Hilal Wants Salah Before the Club World Cup

Al Hilal’s pursuit of Salah isn’t just about signing a marquee player; it’s also driven by lucrative commercial interests. Jacobs explains that, “The Saudi football federation will be taking FIFA up on this so-called exceptional window ahead of the Club World Cup,” allowing Al Hilal to make a formal bid within a ten-day transfer period from June 1 to June 10, 2025.

Photo: IMAGO

For Al Hilal, Salah would be a major addition, especially given his status in Egypt and across the Middle East. By acquiring him, the Saudi Pro League aims to capture Egyptian viewers through enhanced TV rights, a savvy business move that aligns with their broader expansion goals. This strategy also underscores Saudi Arabia’s aggressive push to elevate their football profile globally.

Liverpool’s Stance and the Previous Al Ittihad Offer

Liverpool has faced Saudi interest in Salah before, having rejected a massive £150 million offer from Al Ittihad in September 2023. It’s clear that the club values Salah’s contributions both on and off the pitch, particularly given his long-term impact since his arrival in 2017 from Roma.

Liverpool are eager to retain Salah, whose current contract runs until June 2025, and are reportedly encouraging him to renew. The Reds’ refusal to sell previously indicates how central Salah is to Liverpool’s ambitions. However, with Al Hilal showing persistent interest and offering potentially record-breaking signing fees, the Saudis may yet tempt Salah with both financial and competitive incentives. As Jacobs notes, “All signs are Saudi are going to come back in… [and] Michael Emenalo… is leading the drive.”

A Tempting Future: Al Hilal’s Roster and High-Profile Competition

If Salah were to join Al Hilal, he’d be in company with football stars Neymar and Aleksandar Mitrovic, forming a formidable attacking line. Additionally, the Club World Cup could set the stage for an encounter with Lionel Messi, adding to the allure of a high-stakes tournament packed with top-tier players. The possibility of playing alongside such names, coupled with Saudi’s rising league profile, might appeal to Salah as he considers the next chapter of his career.

Photo IMAGO

Jacobs further highlights that TV rights focused specifically on Egypt would be a lucrative benefit for Saudi football. With Salah’s presence, “this is also about a return on investment because Egypt will have specific country rights.” The Saudi Pro League expects that a deal with Salah will attract more viewers, strengthening its brand beyond regional borders.

Liverpool’s Legacy and the Impact of Salah’s Potential Exit

Salah’s departure would certainly leave a significant void at Anfield. Having scored 220 goals and provided 96 assists across 364 games, he has been instrumental in Liverpool’s recent successes, including their Club World Cup, Champions League, and Premier League victories. Salah’s current form, exemplified by his recent winner against Brighton, continues to illustrate his importance to Arne Slot’s squad. Losing him would mean Liverpool would need to find not only a prolific goal scorer but a player who embodies the spirit and commitment that has defined Salah’s tenure at the club.

Photo: IMAGO

The upcoming months will be crucial as Liverpool looks to secure a renewed contract with Salah. For now, fans will remain hopeful that their “Egyptian King” chooses loyalty to Anfield over a lucrative Saudi move, knowing that Liverpool’s future could look very different without his unmatched prowess in front of goal.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

The thought of Salah possibly moving to Saudi Arabia is unsettling. His contribution to the club has been enormous—not only in terms of goals and assists but as a symbol of Liverpool’s resurgence on the world stage. It’s not easy to think about an Anfield without him leading the attack, especially when he’s still performing at the highest level and bringing much-needed victories, like the one over Brighton.

Arne Slot has only just taken over from Klopp, and having Salah leave would throw a wrench in the manager’s plans to build on the foundation Klopp left behind. It’s not just about filling his role on the pitch; it’s about filling the leadership and stability he provides. Salah represents more than just an attacking option—he’s a beacon for fans and a rallying point for the team.

While we can understand the appeal of the financial incentives Saudi Arabia offers, we hope Liverpool does everything possible to keep Salah at Anfield. The club has overcome player departures before, but it’s hard to see a replacement who could bring the same combination of experience, skill, and dedication. Here’s hoping our “Egyptian King” decides to stay loyal to the Reds and adds even more to his legacy with us.