Al-Ahli reportedly pursuing Mohamed Salah after Riyad Mahrez departure
Al-Ahli’s pursuit of Salah
Al-Ahli has reportedly expressed interest in acquiring Mohamed Salah, with reports indicating the Saudi club has begun making inquiries regarding a potential deal for the Egyptian player. This move comes as Al-Ahli seeks to strengthen its offensive line, following the departure of Riyad Mahrez.
Mahrez’s contract with Al-Ahli was mutually terminated ahead of schedule, creating a vacancy in the squad. This termination reportedly cost Al-Ahli approximately €14.5 million, making Mahrez a free agent. With Mahrez no longer with the club, Al-Ahli has identified Salah as a potential successor to lead their attack in the upcoming season.
While Al-Ahli has also been monitoring other players, such as Borussia Dortmund‘s Karim Adeyemi, Salah is considered a primary target. The club’s decision-makers reportedly view Salah as a significant figure for the league, not just as a player. Negotiations are currently in their preliminary stages, with Al-Ahli gathering initial information about Salah’s potential demands. No official agreement has been reached between the clubs or the player’s representatives.
Salah’s contract situation and other potential destinations
Salah is nearing the end of his contract with Liverpool, which is set to expire on June 30. He had previously agreed to terminate the final year of his contract, allowing him to leave as a free agent. His lawyer and adviser, Ramy Abbas, indicated that discussions about future plans are kept private.
After nine seasons with Liverpool, Salah has reportedly said his goodbyes at the conclusion of the 2025-26 Premier League season, and a return to the club is not being considered. While he has been linked with a move to the Middle East in previous seasons, his current focus has been on his national team duties. Salah recently resumed training with Egypt after a minor injury concern, ahead of their match against Australia.
Several leagues and clubs have been mentioned as potential destinations for Salah. Staying in the Premier League appears unlikely, as there is reportedly no room for him at clubs like Arsenal or Manchester City, and a move to Manchester United is not expected. Aston Villa is reportedly not in a strong enough financial position, and his previous association with Chelsea concluded some time ago.
A return to a European league, such as Serie A, where Salah previously played for Fiorentina and Roma, could be a possibility. However, finding a club to accommodate his salary might be challenging, especially for teams that did not qualify for the Champions League. Clubs like Milan and Juventus reportedly have constrained budgets, while others such as Inter, Napoli, Roma, and Como may have different priorities.
Other potential destinations include Turkey, the Saudi Pro League, and Major League Soccer. Fenerbahce‘s president, Aziz Yildirim, had previously discussed a move for Salah, mentioning a potential salary figure. The Saudi Pro League has also been a recurring topic, with Salah being a prominent Arab footballing star. MLS commissioner Don Garber has also expressed interest in seeing Salah join the league.
Salah’s performances for Egypt this summer are expected to demonstrate his continued value. He was named man of the match for his performance, including a goal and an assist, in Egypt‘s 3-1 victory against New Zealand.
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Source: goal.com
As News GB's Senior Football Correspondent, Lewis Hartnell reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He reported on south-coast football for a regional title. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Solent University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Lewis lives in Southampton, where he watches youth football and follows the transfer market. “The week's training ground decides the weekend's headlines.”
