SPL Still an Option for Salah Despite Liverpool Contract Renewal | OneFootball

SPL Still an Option for Salah Despite Liverpool Contract Renewal

Liverpool fans breathed a heavy sigh of relief when star forward Mohamed Salah recently pledged his allegiance to the club.

The 32-year-old signed a new two-year deal, keeping him at Anfield until 2027 to put an end to the protracted contract negotiations and speculation regarding his future.

While his representatives were locked in contract talks, it was business as usual on the pitch for the Egyptian forward, who has inspired Liverpool’s title challenge this term.

There were fears that an earth-shattering offer from the Saudi Pro League (SPL) could prove tempting, but the new deal gives the Reds some breathing space.

However, there is still a feeling that Salah will eventually agree a move to the SPL. Read on as we assess what the future holds for Liverpool’s talisman.

Salah Seems Destined to Play in the SPL

Al-Ittihad tabled a mouth-watering £150 million bid for Salah in 2023, but Liverpool slammed the door in their face.

That would normally be enough to discourage clubs from making a further approach. However, SPL clubs are willing to play the waiting game.

Saudi Arabia’s minister of sports, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, suggested as much when he described Salah as a ‘superstar’ and a player who ‘fits the identity of playing in the Saudi league’.

There is a general feeling that the SPL could be Salah’s next destination if he leaves Liverpool in two years. He has won everything there is to win in European football, so it makes sense that he will see out his career in the SPL, where he would be a dream signing.

Salah will be 35 when his current Liverpool deal expires. By comparison, Cristiano Ronaldo, who kickstarted the flurry of superstars flocking to the Middle East, joined Al-Nassr at 37.

Even if Salah’s age catches up to him and his level drops over the next couple of years, he would still be considered a massive coup for the SPL.

To them, he is more than a world-class superstar. He’s a cultural symbol or, as Al-Faisal described him, ‘an iconic Arab Muslim’ – one that they are ready to break the bank for.

If Salah eventually decides to take his talents to the SPL, the impact would be seismic – not just on the pitch, but in other sectors such as the growing Arab betting community.

The sportsbooks featured on comparison platform Arabswin would be inundated with sports bettors eager to wager on the SPL team Salah signed for.

Salah has been a popular pick with punters in Europe over the past decade or so, and no one would bet against him to have a similar impact in the Middle East, regardless of his age.

Salah’s New Deal Makes Sense for Liverpool

Salah has signed a new contract at a time when many elite forwards begin to decline. However, he has shown no signs of slowing down.

He has almost single-handedly spurred the Reds to the title. He has also grown into one of the leaders and big characters in the dressing room, which is another key facet of his all-round persona.

“I had my best years here,” Salah said upon signing his deal. “I played eight years, hopefully it’s going to be ten.” That’s more of a declaration of intent than a sentimental comment.

He believes there are still more wins to achieve and more memories to be made at Liverpool. And there are plenty of records in sight.

Salah is close to joining the Premier League’s iconic 200-goal club. Given his goalscoring efficiency, it’s only a matter of time before he earns a seat alongside Alan Shearer, Harry Kane and Wayne Rooney.

The Liverpool star has already smashed Thierry Henry’s record for goal involvements in a single season. The Egyptian will also have his sights set on Ian Rush’s all-time goalscoring record for Liverpool.

It is a bit of a stretch to suggest he can break the record, but it could be the fuel that drives him to maintain his world-class level at Liverpool for the next two years.