Saudi Arabia plans to recruit Salah during the winter transfer window

Saudi Arabia says it will do “everything it can” to recruit troubled Liverpool star Mohamed Salah during the winter transfer window, a source at the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) said. AFP on Tuesday.

“We follow Salah’s position thoroughly and believe there could be a move either by loaning him or by buying his contract,” said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, referring to the impasse between the Egyptian and Liverpool.

“There are no direct negotiations or discussions with the club at the moment, but there will be a move at the right time.”

The PIF source said the wealthy Gulf monarchy wanted to sign the Egyptian winger in January during the next transfer window to join stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia.

PIF has a 75 percent stake in Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad, but the source said it was not alone in wanting the Arab world’s biggest football star.

READ: Salah will be left out of Liverpool vs Inter Milan match as a result of his actions, says Alisson

“There is a competition within the Saudi league over who will bring Salah,” the source said, adding that a club linked to Saudi Arabia’s state oil and gas company was interested. «Aramco’s Al-Qadsiah has also shown interest. So it’s not just the PIF member clubs.»

Ronaldo plays for Al-Nassr, Salah’s former Liverpool teammate Darwin Nunez plays for Al-Hilal, another former Premier League player of the season, N’Golo Kante, plays for Al-Ittihad, but Salah is the biggest football star from an Arab country.

Salah said after being an unused substitute in Sunday’s 3-3 draw against Leeds that he felt he had been «thrown under the bus» by Liverpool and no longer had a relationship with manager Arne Slot.

The 33-year-old Egyptian attacker was then left out of Liverpool’s selection for the Champions League match against Inter Milan on Tuesday.

Salah has played a key role in Liverpool’s two Premier League titles and one Champions League victory during his iconic spell on Merseyside. He signed a contract extension in April as he led Liverpool to the title.

READ ALSO: Real Madrid’s Mbappé misses training ahead of the match against Manchester City in the Champions League

Salah will leave for the Africa Cup of Nations after next weekend’s home match against Brighton in the Premier League.

He hinted that the game against Brighton could be his last game with the Reds before leaving during the winter transfer window.

Salah scored 29 goals and provided 18 assists last season, but he has been a shadow of his former self during Liverpool’s struggles this season – the defending champions are 10th in the table – with just four goals in 13 top-flight games.

«All players have their ups and downs. Salah is only 33 and has a lot to do here,» the PIF source said.

“Salah is a beloved footballer around the world and will have a huge impact on the Saudi League, both on and off the pitch.”

Published on December 9, 2025