Mo Salah Opens Up: “Saudi Talks Were Real—But Liverpool Was Always in My Heart”

In a candid and wide-ranging interview, Mohamed Salah has lifted the lid on the high-stakes negotiations that nearly saw him leave Anfield for Saudi Arabia. The Egyptian superstar confirmed long-standing speculation that he was in serious talks with Saudi Pro League clubs before ultimately deciding to extend his stay with Liverpool.

Speaking to On Sport, Salah admitted, “I thought there was a good opportunity to join the Saudi League. I believed I might go there if I didn’t renew my contract with Liverpool.” He also noted that his ties to the region remain strong, adding that discussions were “serious” and ongoing for some time.

Salah had been the subject of a record-breaking £150 million bid from Al Ittihad in August 2023—a move that Liverpool swiftly turned down. Interest persisted well into the January transfer window, with Saudi clubs keen to make him the face of their ambitious football revolution. But when the dust settled, the 32-year-old winger opted to sign a two-year extension in April, ending months of speculation.

Despite rumours swirling about possible moves to La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid, Salah dismissed them outright: “There was nothing,” he said.

So what kept him at Liverpool? The fans, he says, played a pivotal role. “Liverpool fans were part of the contract renewal process—they put pressure on the management because I’ve been at the club for seven years. From day one, I knew they wanted me to stay,” he shared.

And it’s no wonder the affection is mutual. Salah was instrumental in Liverpool’s stellar 2024–25 campaign, netting 34 goals and providing 23 assists across all competitions. His efforts helped new manager Arne Slot clinch Liverpool’s 20th English top-flight title—bringing them level with long-time rivals Manchester United.

Since arriving at Anfield in 2017, Salah has racked up 245 goals and 113 assists in 401 appearances, placing him third on the club’s all-time top scorers list—trailing only Roger Hunt and Ian Rush. With nine major trophies already under his belt, including two Premier League titles and a Champions League, Salah’s legacy at Liverpool is already legendary.

By the time his new deal ends in 2027, Salah will be 34. Whether he finishes his career in England or finally takes that long-rumoured leap to Saudi Arabia remains to be seen. But for now, the King of Anfield isn’t going anywhere.