Forget Barcelona and Madrid, Heskey points Mohamed Salah toward Saudi switch

Former Liverpool forward Emile Heskey has cautioned Mohamed Salah against pursuing a glamorous switch to Barcelona, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich this summer, insisting the Egyptian must prioritise what is realistically available rather than chase reputation.

With uncertainty swirling around Salah’s Anfield future once again, Heskey believes the next move should be shaped by practicality, not prestige.

Speculation around Salah had largely subsided after he signed a new contract last April, reaffirming his commitment to Liverpool. Yet a dip in performance levels this season, coupled with last month’s public frustration in which he claimed the club had thrown him “under the bus”, has reignited talk of a departure.

At 33, Salah remains an influential figure under Arne Slot, but his output has dipped compared to the relentless standards he previously set.

Heskey, speaking to OLBG, addressed suggestions that the forward could still attract interest from Europe’s elite.

“Could Mohamed Salah move to a Barcelona, a Real Madrid or a Bayern Munich instead of the Saudi Pro League? Everyone would love to see him to go those places, and I’m sure he would as well but you take what’s there and in front of you,” he said.

Rather than encouraging a late-career leap to another Champions League contender, Heskey pointed to the financial pull and competitive platform offered by the Saudi Pro League. He highlighted high-profile names already thriving there as evidence that a move to the Middle East would not diminish Salah’s standing or productivity.

“If that is Salah’s route well we’ve seen Cristiano Ronaldo still scoring goals out there. You see Ivan Toney still scoring goals. Sadio Mane’s out there. There’s no reason why you can’t do it in Saudi Arabia and still be producing on an international level as well,” Heskey added.

For Heskey, the decision ultimately rests with the player, whose legacy at Liverpool is already secure. “It’s whatever suits him to be honest with you because once you’ve done what he’s done as fans we’ve just got to accept what he decides. We accept, and we love him for what he’s done because when you look at the numbers that he’s produced, no one can say anything.”

Salah’s recent nine-game Premier League goal drought has fuelled debate among supporters about whether he can continue to spearhead Liverpool’s attack. Growing links with 19-year-old RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande have only intensified the sense of transition.