Salah returns to Liverpool training amid Saudi interest for January switch

Mohamed Salah joined Liverpool's training session on Tuesday, while uncertainty surrounds his long term future at the Premier League title holders, with clubs from Saudi Arabia preparing to pursue the forward during the January transfer period.

The 33 year old Egyptian attacker was omitted from Liverpool's lineup for their Champions League match against Inter Milan on Tuesday, after his bold public remarks against Reds head coach Arne Slot, following being benched for the third match in a row.

Following the 3-3 result against Leeds on Sunday, Salah expressed feeling like he had been "thrown under the bus" by Liverpool, stating he no longer shared a bond with Slot, which has fuelled speculation that the club's third leading goalscorer of all time might leave Anfield next month, even after penning a high value extension in April.

He shared an image of himself working out solo in Liverpool's gym on Tuesday.

Salah's comments have caught the attention in Saudi Arabia, where a representative from the kingdom's Public Investment Fund (PIF) informed AFP that they would go to great lengths to secure his signature.

"We monitor Salah's situation closely and think a transfer could happen, either on loan or by purchasing his deal," the representative noted, requesting anonymity.

During a press briefing in Milan on Monday, when questioned if Salah, who has netted 250 goals for Liverpool since arriving from Roma in 2017, had featured in his final game for the team, Slot responded: "I have no idea."

"He is entitled to his emotions, but not to voice them publicly in the press," Slot continued.

The Saudi representative explained to AFP that "there are no formal discussions or contacts with the club right now, but action will be taken at the appropriate time".

The PIF representative indicated that the Gulf nation aims to bring the Egyptian winger on board in January to team up with prominent players like Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League.

PIF owns a 75 per cent stake in Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ahli and Al Ittihad, but the representative pointed out that it is not the only entity eyeing the Arab world's premier football talent.

"Clubs within the Saudi league are competing to land Salah," the representative added, mentioning that Al Qadsiah, supported by Saudi Arabia's state run oil and gas firm Aramco, is also interested.

Ronaldo features for Al Nassr, Salah's ex Liverpool colleague Darwin Nunez plays at Al Hilal, while another past Premier League standout N'Golo Kante is with Al Ittihad, yet Salah stands out as the top Arab star alongside Paris Saint Germain's Moroccan full back Achraf Hakimi.

Salah, who was not even introduced from the bench at Elland Road, will head off to the Africa Cup of Nations after Liverpool's upcoming home Premier League fixture versus Brighton.

He described being "very, very disappointed" at being listed as a substitute once more against Leeds, saying: "I received numerous assurances over the summer, but so far I have sat on the bench for three matches, so I cannot claim those promises were honoured.

"I have mentioned several times that I enjoyed a positive rapport with the coach, yet now that connection has vanished.

Significant boost for Saudi League

"I am unsure of the reason, but from my perspective, it appears someone at the club does not wish for me to stay."

Salah delivered his heated statements during a challenging campaign for both himself and Liverpool.

He has been instrumental in Liverpool securing two Premier League crowns and a Champions League victory over his legendary tenure on Merseyside.

However, he has not matched his previous standards amid Liverpool's difficulties this term. The champions sit in 10th place in the Premier League, with Salah managing only four goals in 13 league outings.

"Every player experiences highs and lows. At 33, Salah still has much to offer here," the PIF representative affirmed.

"Salah enjoys worldwide admiration as a footballer and would deliver a substantial influence on the Saudi League, both during matches and beyond."