Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad Lead Race to Sign Liverpool's Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah is expected to complete a move to the Saudi Pro League this summer, with Al-Ittihad positioned as the frontrunners to sign the departing Liverpool forward. According to TEAMtalk, Saudi officials are increasingly confident of securing the Egyptian international, with fresh talks having taken place in recent weeks to advance a deal structure initially discussed last year.
Salah, 31, confirmed earlier this season that he will leave Anfield upon the expiry of his contract this summer, ending a prolific seven-year spell on Merseyside. While clubs in Italy, Germany, and the United States have monitored his situation, the financial power and project of the Saudi Pro League have placed it as the most likely destination. Sources indicate Salah will be given the freedom to choose his preferred club within the league, but Al-Ittihad are currently leading the pursuit.
The transfer would see Salah become one of the world's highest-paid footballers, with Pro League chiefs aiming to install him as a global figurehead for the division. His status as one of the sport's most prominent Muslim athletes is seen as a significant factor in the league's long-term marketing strategy. For Liverpool, his departure marks the end of an era, forcing the club into a major rebuild of their attacking line.
In anticipation of Salah's exit, Liverpool have intensified their search for a replacement and have identified RB Leipzig's 19-year-old winger Yan Diomande as a primary target. The Ivorian has recorded 10 goals and seven assists in 26 Bundesliga appearances this season, attracting attention from several elite European sides. Reports from Germany suggest Leipzig could be compelled to sell for a fee in the region of €100 million (£87.2m) if Diomande does not sign a new contract.
Furthermore, Liverpool are also showing a strong interest in Diomande's Leipzig teammate, defender Castello Lukeba. The 23-year-old French centre-back is viewed as a potential long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk. Sky Germany reporter Philipp Hinze has reported that Lukeba is on the market this summer, with Leipzig open to a sale for a valuation between €65-70 million, below his €80 million release clause. A double deal for both players could cost Liverpool upwards of £148 million.
The potential overhaul at Anfield extends beyond arrivals, with the future of defender Ibrahima Konate also uncertain. The 26-year-old's contract expires this summer, and despite being presented with a lucrative new offer, he has yet to commit. Sources indicate Liverpool set an informal deadline around the Easter period for a decision. Konate's representatives have held exploratory talks with other clubs, including Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester City, who are weighing up potential moves for the French international on a free transfer.
Salah's prospective move to Saudi Arabia represents the latest high-profile acquisition for the league, following the signings of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in recent years. For Liverpool, the focus will shift to efficiently reinvesting the funds saved from his substantial wages, with a significant portion likely allocated to securing Diomande and strengthening a defence that may lose Konate. The coming months will be critical for the club's sporting direction under the renewed leadership of manager Arne Slot.
