‘Saudi league was ideal for Salah’ – Former Nigeria coach Jose Peseiro

Former Nigeria head coach José Peseiro believes the Saudi Pro League would have been an ideal destination for Mohamed Salah at this stage of his career.

Salah was reportedly close to making a move to the Saudi Professional League before ultimately continuing his career elsewhere, with the Egyptian forward remaining one of the biggest names in world football.

In an interview, Peseiro expressed the Egyptian superstar missed an opportunity to become one of the leading figures in Saudi Arabia’s ambitious football project.

“Salah is an icon. He’s the one who knows what’s best for him, but honestly, I think the Saudi league was the ideal stage for him at this point in his career,” Peseiro told Koora.

Peseiro believes Salah’s status, experience and achievements would have made him a natural fit for the Saudi Pro League, which has attracted several high-profile international players in recent years.

The former Nigeria coach also suggested that a move to Saudi Arabia would have offered Salah the opportunity to play a prominent role in the league’s growing global profile.

“He missed the opportunity to be here as one of the most prominent figures in the Saudi project,” Peseiro added.

Salah has established himself as one of Africa’s most successful footballers during his career in Europe, particularly through his outstanding spell with Liverpool.

The Egyptian has become a key figure for both club and country, while his performances have made him one of the most recognisable African players on the international stage.

Peseiro’s comments therefore underline his belief that Salah could have played a major role in the continued development and international visibility of the Saudi Pro League had he decided to make the move.