Barcelona have emerged as Mohamed Salah’s most likely next destination should his time at Liverpool come to an end, according to former Egypt international Mohamed Ibrahim, who has offered a wide-ranging assessment of the forward’s future and his importance to the national team.
Speaking from his experience as a former youth international teammate of Salah, Ibrahim said the Spanish giants remain the Egypt captain’s closest and preferred option if he decides to leave Anfield.
He described Barcelona as Salah’s childhood dream and played down suggestions of an imminent move to the Saudi Pro League, insisting such a switch is unlikely at this stage of the winger’s career.
Ibrahim added that Major League Soccer in the United States would represent a more suitable alternative if a move to Spain does not materialise.
Beyond club football, Ibrahim underlined Salah’s continued value to the Egypt national team, particularly alongside Omar Marmoush. “Having Salah and Marmoush gives the Egypt national team significant technical weight on the pitch, and their absence would make opponents more confident against the Pharaohs. The current generation has matured football-wise and is now winning through both results and performances,” Ibrahim said.
He continued: “This is not Mohamed Salah’s last tournament. His best years with Liverpool actually coincided with his most difficult periods with the Egypt national team.”
Ibrahim broadened the discussion to the continental landscape, identifying Nigeria, Algeria, Senegal, Cameroon, and Ivory Coast as the strongest forces in African football.
“Nigeria, Algeria, Senegal, Cameroon, and Ivory Coast are the strongest teams in Africa. Morocco have not delivered outstanding performances, but they can still win the title.”
“Nigeria are the leading favourites to win the Africa Cup of Nations, followed by Egypt, Cameroon, and Senegal, then Morocco and Algeria. Tunisia are far from the race.”
Attention also turned to Marmoush, with Ibrahim predicting significant upside in the forward’s career.
“Omar Marmoush can overtake Mohamed Salah if he leaves Manchester City now and has his career managed in a professional way,” he said.
He concluded: “Marmoush needs to move in order to rediscover his spark in the Premier League. He is an important player for Guardiola, but he is not the number one choice in his position at the moment. If he shines at the Africa Cup of Nations, he will return as a regular starter for City.”
