Saudi Arabia keen to secure Salah signature in January transfer period

Saudi Arabia has stated it will exhaust all options to bring in the discontented Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah in the January transfer window, according to a source from the kingdoms Public Investment Fund (PIF) who spoke to AFP on Tuesday.

"We monitor Salahs situation closely and feel a transfer could happen via loan or full purchase," the anonymous source explained, alluding to the ongoing dispute between the Egyptian player and Liverpool.

"Direct discussions with the club have not started yet but we plan to act when the timing suits."

The PIF representative indicated that the affluent Gulf nation aims to acquire the Egyptian attacker in January to link 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, yet the source noted that interest in the Arabs premier football talent extends beyond these teams.

"Clubs within the Saudi league are vying to land Salah," the source added, mentioning that a team backed by the states oil and gas giant is also interested. "Aramcos Al Qadsiah has expressed desire as well. Thus it extends to non-PIF clubs too."

Ronaldo features for Al-Nassr, Salahs ex-Liverpool colleague Darwin Nunez plays for Al-Hilal, while another past Premier League standout N'Golo Kante is with Al-Ittihad, but Salah stands as the most renowned Arab footballer.

Following his bench role in the 3-3 draw against Leeds on Sunday, Salah claimed he felt "thrown under the bus" by Liverpool and now lacks any bond with coach Arne Slot.

The 33-year-old Egyptian striker was subsequently omitted from Liverpools Champions League squad for the match against Inter Milan on Tuesday.

Salah contributed significantly to Liverpools two Premier League championships and one Champions League victory over his legendary tenure at Anfield. He extended his deal in April while guiding the team to the league crown.

Salah will head to the Africa Cup of Nations after the upcoming Premier League fixture against Brighton at home.

He suggested the Brighton encounter might mark his final outing for the Reds prior to a potential January exit.

In the 2024-25 campaign, Salah netted 29 goals and supplied 18 assists in the prior season, yet amid Liverpools current difficulties, the defending champions sit tenth in the standings, and he has managed only four goals in 13 league outings this term.

"Every player experiences peaks and troughs. At 33, Salah still has much to offer here," the PIF source remarked.

"Salah enjoys global adoration as a footballer and would greatly elevate the Saudi League on and off the field."