Saudi media figure Waleed Al-Faraj has sparked debate after claiming that Mohamed Salah is no longer a suitable target for clubs in the Saudi Pro League.
Al-Faraj dismissed reports linking the Liverpool FC star with a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia, insisting that the era of massive financial offers for players has passed. His comments come amid growing speculation over Salah’s future following confirmation that he will leave Liverpool at the end of the current season after nine years at the club.
Responding to claims that the Egyptian forward rejected a move to Saudi Arabia in favour of continuing his career in Europe, Al-Faraj suggested such reports were inaccurate. He pointed instead to shifting strategies within Saudi clubs, which are now prioritising younger players in their recruitment plans.
“I think the news is inaccurate. High financial offers for players in the Saudi league are a thing of the past,” he said.
He added: “Clubs’ plans in the upcoming summer period will focus on players under 30 years old. Salah is a big star and an asset to any league, but he was a suitable option in 2023-2024 and not 2027.”
Al-Faraj also hinted at a broader shift in financial policy, suggesting that funding for clubs will be significantly different from previous seasons, with tighter controls on spending.
“I think the funding that the fund will provide to the clubs that are still under its ownership will be very different from previous seasons,” he explained.
He added, “Clubs have begun restructuring their staff, reducing numbers, cutting budgets, and being more rigorous in spending. Your ambitions for the summer shouldn’t be too high; options will be limited, and spending will be rationalised.”
Meanwhile, Salah continues to be linked with European clubs, including Fenerbahçe, as he weighs up his next move ahead of the summer transfer window.
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