Mohamed Salah has reportedly emerged as the primary target for Saudi Pro League giants Al-Ittihad as they seek a marquee replacement for Karim Benzema. The Egyptian forward, who has long been on the radar of Middle Eastern clubs, finds himself at the center of fresh transfer speculation following a turbulent season at Liverpool and Benzema's shocking move to rival club Al-Hilal.
The Saudi football landscape was rocked on Monday when news broke that Benzema would be departing Al-Ittihad for Al-Hilal. The French striker, who joined the Jeddah-based club in 2023, had been instrumental in securing the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League title. However, the team's title defense has faltered dramatically, with Al-Ittihad languishing in sixth place after 19 matches, accumulating just 34 points.
In contrast, Al-Hilal sits atop the league table, one point clear of Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr. The acquisition of Benzema adds another world-class name to an already star-studded roster that includes Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Malcom, Darwin Nunez, and Theo Hernandez. This move represents a significant coup for head coach Simone Inzaghi and underscores the league's aggressive recruitment strategy.
Al-Ittihad now faces the daunting task of filling the void left by Benzema's departure. According to reports from winwin, the club has identified Salah as their ideal candidate and is actively monitoring his situation at Liverpool. The urgency to secure a high-profile replacement has been amplified by rumors that winger Moussa Diaby is also considering an exit this summer.
The Saudi transfer window has already closed, preventing any immediate moves. However, sources indicate that Al-Ittihad's interest could materialize into a formal offer when the summer window opens. This wouldn't be the first time the Saudi club has pursued the Egyptian superstar. In 2024, Al-Ittihad submitted a staggering £150 million ($205 million) bid for Salah, which Liverpool firmly rejected. At the time, Salah acknowledged the seriousness of their approach, confirming that discussions with club officials were substantive.
Salah's relationship with Liverpool has shown signs of strain this season. In December, the 33-year-old publicly criticized the club, feeling they had thrown him "under the bus" amid mounting pressure. His frustration coincided with a dip in form, having netted only six club goals this season before departing for the Africa Cup of Nations. Despite signing a new contract last April, his long-term future at Anfield appears increasingly uncertain.
The broader context of this potential transfer lies in Saudi Arabia's ambitious vision for football. The kingdom is determined to maintain football's elevated profile domestically and continues to attract established global stars. This strategy aligns with preparations for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, which Saudi Arabia will host. The Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns both Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal, plays a central role in financing these high-profile acquisitions.
However, the rapid influx of talent has not been without complications. Reports suggest that some players have struggled to adapt to life in the Gulf state. Most notably, Cristiano Ronaldo, the league's most significant signing to date, has reportedly grown disgruntled at Al-Nassr. The Portuguese forward allegedly believes that PIF deliberately orchestrated Benzema's transfer to Al-Hilal to strengthen their title chances, leaving him feeling unsupported in his own quest for silverware. Ronaldo has yet to win the Saudi Pro League since his arrival in 2023, and this perceived lack of backing has reportedly fueled his frustration.
The situation highlights the complex dynamics within the Saudi Pro League. While the financial power is undeniable, managing the expectations and happiness of multiple superstars across rival clubs presents an ongoing challenge. The potential addition of Salah to this mix would only intensify the spotlight on the league's operations.
For Liverpool, losing Salah would mark the end of an era. The Egyptian has become synonymous with the club's modern identity, delivering countless memorable moments and establishing himself as one of the Premier League's most prolific forwards. However, at 33 years old, and with Saudi clubs willing to offer astronomical fees, a transfer might make sense from both a financial and squad rejuvenation perspective.
The summer transfer window promises to be a pivotal period for all parties involved. Al-Ittihad's pursuit of Salah will likely depend on several factors: Liverpool's willingness to negotiate, Salah's own desires, and the financial package on offer. Given the Saudi club's previous willingness to spend £150 million, any new bid would likely be substantial, potentially setting another record for the league.
Meanwhile, the ripple effects of Benzema's move continue to be felt across the Saudi Pro League. Al-Hilal's strengthened squad makes them even stronger favorites for the title, while Al-Ittihad's rebuilding process places them at a crossroads. The league's competitive balance, already skewed by PIF-owned clubs, may become even more pronounced.
As the saga unfolds, football fans worldwide will be watching closely. The convergence of European stars, Middle Eastern wealth, and geopolitical sporting ambitions creates a fascinating narrative that transcends traditional transfer stories. Whether Salah ultimately makes the move or remains at Liverpool, his situation epitomizes the new reality of global football, where no player is beyond the reach of Saudi Arabia's sporting project.
The coming months will reveal whether Al-Ittihad can successfully lure Salah to the Middle East and whether the Egyptian star is ready for a new chapter in his illustrious career. One thing is certain: the Saudi Pro League's transformation from regional competition to global powerhouse shows no signs of slowing down.