Mohamed Salah 'on 50-man transfer list' amid Cristiano Ronaldo factor

Mohamed Salah remains a target for the Saudi Pro League, with the Liverpool man on a long list of options that the Middle Eastern division's clubs are considering this summer

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah.(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah and Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes are among the big-name players being lined up by the Saudi Pro League ahead of this summer.

The Middle Eastern division is looking to inject some fresh impetus into its recruitment drive and is determined to ensure it continues to bring in players considered at the top of their game, rather than those who are a little older and on the way down.

Fernandes would fit that bracket, and though Salah has struggled for form this season, he showed in the Champions League against Qarabag on Wednesday that he is still capable of putting in high-level performances.

According to talkSPORT, Salah and Fernandes are among the names on a 50-man list for Saudi Pro League sides when the next transfer window opens.

Salah and Arne Slot have made up after a public outburst from the 33-year-old in December, in which he accused Liverpool of throwing him under the bus, but his long-term future could lie elsewhere.

Among the other big names being targeted are Casemiro, who will leave Manchester United when his contract expires, Robert Lewandowski, who is still performing at an elite level for Barcelona, and Vinícius Júnior.

Mohamed Salah taps the Liverpool badge after his fine free-kick made it 3-0 against Qarabag at Anfield(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Vinicius would be the most ambitious move of all given he is still very much at his peak and playing for Real Madrid. He is restless at the Bernabeu, though the exit of Xabi Alonso may change things.

Al Ittihad saw a bid for Salah worth around $200 million (£150 million) rejected in the summer of 2023. It could reignite its interest in the Egyptian, while other clubs in the same league would also be keen.

Fernandes almost joined the Saudi Pro League last summer, only to remain put at Manchester United for another year. The Old Trafford side could once again be open to a sale for a big sum.

In addition to the Saudi Pro League looking to take the next step in its development, it is said that it is also preparing for the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.

He may only be around for another season after the current one and is a major draw for viewers across the world. Without him, there is a fear that the interest in the Saudi Pro League could drop off substantially.

As a result, a host of big names are being considered to ensure a more even spread of the star names. The more there are, the less, in theory, the exit of Ronaldo will be felt.

Liverpool.com says: It is possible that Salah could end up in Saudi Arabia but there is no guarantee. MLS would be another option if he stays at Anfield until the end of his contract. Clubs in Europe might be interested too, similar to Kevin De Bruyne's move to Napoli.