Mohamed Salah (foto: Getty Images)
The former West Ham and Al-Ittihad manager claims Mohamed Salah was close to leaving Liverpool last summer due to a strained relationship with Jurgen Klopp.
Mohamed Salah’s future remains one of the biggest talking points in the Premier League, with speculation mounting that he could leave Liverpool at the end of the season. While the Egyptian has publicly stated his desire to stay, former Al-Ittihad coach Slaven Bilic has revealed that Salah was much closer to a Saudi move last summer than many realized.
Speaking to talkSPORT’s ‘The Line Up’, Bilic—who coached in Saudi Arabia between 2018 and 2019—claimed that clubs in the region were convinced Salah was on his way due to reported tensions with Jurgen Klopp.
“I know he was not happy with Jurgen Klopp, and there was a feeling that he could leave. All the clubs in the Saudi League were keeping an eye on his situation and would have made him the big star of the competition. As far as I know, Mo Salah was determined to join Al-Ittihad,” Bilic said.
Saudi move remains an option
Although the transfer ultimately didn’t happen, Bilic believes the door to Saudi football remains wide open.
“I wasn't too surprised that he didn’t sign for any Saudi club in the end, as it wasn’t a question of ‘take it or leave it.’ Saudi football is always going to be there when he decides to leave Liverpool,” Bilic added.
Agent denies exit claims
Amid the ongoing speculation, Salah’s agent Ramy Abbas Issa responded to the reports on social media platform X, reaffirming the player’s commitment to Liverpool.
“If we had wanted to leave Liverpool this year, we would not have renewed for another year last summer. His commitment to the team is total.”
While his long-term future remains uncertain, Arne Slot has made it clear that he wants the Egyptian to stay.
“Everyone wants him, we want him too. Of course we want him to renew, but he has enough experience and wisdom to make the best decision for his career, which will hopefully also be the best for us.”
With Salah’s contract situation unresolved, the speculation over a possible Saudi transfer is unlikely to fade anytime soon.