Mohamed Salah set to sacrifice millions to complete Saudi move

Behind the glamour of headline-making transfers, the financial realities often reveal the true weight of the decisions made by football’s elite.

For Mohamed Salah, his anticipated departure from Liverpool FC next summer is shaping up to be one of those defining moments, marked by a significant financial compromise.

The Egyptian forward is expected to walk away from a substantial sum as part of a mutual agreement to terminate his contract, allowing him to leave the club on a free transfer at the end of the current season. While his exit will undoubtedly leave a gap on the pitch, it also presents Liverpool with notable financial relief.

Salah’s current deal, which runs until 2027, included a lucrative loyalty bonus reportedly worth £20 million. According to The Sun, this clause was agreed upon during contract renewal talks last summer. However, in order to secure his early departure, the forward has agreed to forgo this bonus entirely.

Beyond the bonus, Liverpool will also save on Salah’s hefty annual salary of £20.8 million, one of the highest in the league, second only to Erling Haaland of Manchester City, who earns £27.3 million. In total, Salah’s exit could free up approximately £40.8 million for the club, a timely boost after their heavy spending in recent transfer windows.

As Salah edges closer to his mid-thirties, the move appears to be driven by a desire for long-term security and a central role in a new project. The Saudi Pro League has emerged as a likely destination, with clubs expected to table offers that could significantly exceed his current earnings.

Although matching the staggering salary of Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr may be unrealistic, projections suggest Salah could still secure a deal that places him among the league’s top earners, potentially alongside Karim Benzema, who currently features prominently among the highest-paid players in Saudi Arabia.

Interest from Al-Ittihad is not new. The club made a strong attempt to sign Salah back in 2023, but the player opted to remain at Liverpool. Now, with the prospect of becoming a free agent, the dynamics appear to have shifted in favor of a move.

With a major international tournament on the horizon, Salah could use the stage to reaffirm his elite status and strengthen his negotiating position. As the summer approaches, his next move promises to be as financially significant as it is career-defining.