Al-Ittihad fans deliver Mohamed Salah verdict and call for Moussa Diaby to stay

Mohamed Salah has not received the welcome many expected from Al-Ittihad supporters, with a large section of the Saudi club’s fanbase opposing a potential move for the former Liverpool forward.

Salah’s future has been the subject of several reports in recent days after he officially left Liverpool. Those reports have linked the Egypt captain with a move to Al-Ittihad during the current summer transfer window, while also suggesting he could begin a new chapter outside Europe.

However, the reaction from Al-Ittihad fans has been notably unenthusiastic. Many supporters have used the social media platform X to reject the idea of signing Salah, arguing that the club should continue to rely on Moussa Diaby instead.

The French winger is regarded by those fans as the better option for the team at this stage. They believe Diaby still has several years at the highest level ahead of him and is a more natural fit for Al-Ittihad’s style of play.

Supporters have also questioned whether replacing Diaby with Salah would bring the expected benefit. Their view is that Al-Ittihad should protect and build around younger players who can make a contribution over several seasons, rather than making a major investment in a player at a more advanced point in his career.

Age has therefore become a central part of the debate. While Salah continues to be recognised as a high-quality footballer, many Al-Ittihad fans believe the Egyptian has reached a later stage of his career. They feel that signing younger players, with greater potential to deliver in the future, would represent better value for the club.

The opposition has not been unanimous. A section of the support still appreciates Salah’s considerable ability and the experience he would bring, but believes Al-Ittihad’s immediate priorities lie elsewhere. Those fans argue that the club should strengthen other positions or recruit players who fit its long-term project more closely.

Despite the speculation, there has been no official indication that negotiations are taking place between Al-Ittihad and Salah. For now, the proposed transfer remains unconfirmed and is based solely on reports and conjecture.

The early verdict from the club’s supporters, however, appears clear. Many would prefer Al-Ittihad to retain Moussa Diaby in the position rather than replace him with Salah, despite the latter’s reputation and achievements at the highest level.