Mo Salah–Liverpool Saga Puts Saudi Arabia Back in Soccer Spotlight

Saudi Arabia’s disruption of major European soccer could return to the spotlight as Liverpool star Mohamed Salah grows more frustrated with his expiring contract at the Premier League club.

Liverpool now has a sizable eight-point lead over three-time defending EPL champions Manchester City, with Salah’s 10 goals through 12 matches second to only Man City’s Erling Haaland (12). Salah scored two goals in Sunday’s 3–2 win over Southampton, but the striker, 32, expressed his contract frustrations to reporters after the match.

“We’re almost in December; I haven’t received any offer to stay at the club,” said Salah, who is in the final season of a three-year, $54 million deal. “So, probably, I’m more out than in.”

Last year, Liverpool turned down a nearly $190 million offer for Salah from Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad. That would have added to a nearly $1 billion spending spree from Saudi clubs during the 2023 summer transfer window, as big names like Neymar jumped from Europe to the Middle East as part of nine-figure deals.

And while reports indicate the SPL is still interested in landing the Liverpool star, Salah is keeping his cards on that possibility close to his chest. 

“I don’t want to speak about that,” he said with a smirk Sunday when asked about playing in Saudi Arabia. “I’m focused with the team now. We’ll see.”

Liverpool is owned by Fenway Sports Group, the U.S.-based parent company of MLB’s Red Sox and the NHL’s Penguins, among other sporting assets. Last September, FSG sold a $200 million stake in the soccer club to New York–based private equity firm Dynasty Equity.

When asked whether he was disappointed about not receiving an offer yet from Liverpool, Salah said, “Of course, yeah.” But whether it’s Liverpool, Saudi Arabia, or elsewhere, expect Salah to keep playing. “I’m not going to retire soon,” he said.