Saudi Arabia’s sports minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, has clarified that there were no official discussions between the kingdom and Mohamed Salah regarding a potential move to the Saudi Pro League.
While expressing admiration for the Liverpool forward, Al-Faisal emphasised that any reports linking Salah with a switch to Saudi Arabia were unfounded.
Salah, who recently ended transfer speculation by signing a new two-year deal with Liverpool, has long been linked with a move to the Gulf nation.
However, the minister denied any direct engagement by government officials in such negotiations.
“I mean, he’s a superstar,” Al-Faisal told ESPN. “He’s an Arab and Muslim icon.
“He embodies the identity of the type of player who can play in the Saudi league.
“It was his decision to renew with Liverpool, but to associate his name with Saudi Arabia… I think from day one they’ve linked him with Saudi Arabia. There were no discussions, but that’s fine.”
Al-Faisal also addressed the recurring speculation around major European players being linked to the Saudi Pro League.
“Now, every time a player renews or signs a contract, the media says he is coming to Saudi Arabia, and 90% of the time that is not true. I think we have a clear strategy.”
That strategy, he explained, includes a shift in transfer policy to target younger players who can contribute meaningfully to the long-term competitiveness of the league.
Citing recent examples such as Jhon Duran, 21, of Al Nassr, and Moussa Diaby, 25, of Al Ittihad, Al-Faisal said: “If you look at the last players we have signed, or that clubs have signed, they are mostly young players who want to contribute to the development of the league.
“To make the league very competitive. I don’t know if you are following the league this year, but the competition between the top four teams is incredible.”
