Mohamed Salah tipped for Saudi Arabia move as European sides sent key message

Mohamed Salah is tipped for a Saudi Arabia move as speculation grows, with European clubs reportedly sent a clear message about the Liverpool star’s future plans

Markus Babbel questions whether European clubs can afford Mohamed Salah (Image: Getty Images)

Former Liverpool star Markus Babbel has said he is not surprised at Mohamed Salah's decision to leave Anfield this summer, while European suitors have reportedly been warned they may struggle to afford the Egyptian forward.

Salah announced he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season after agreeing to waive the final year of his contract. The Egyptian forward now has just five games remaining before bringing an end to his nine-year spell at the club.

A return to Serie A is one option for the 33-year-old, with interest also emerging from Saudi Arabian clubs. Saudi Pro League sides are reportedly keen on a move for Salah, while he could also attract interest from MLS should he opt for a switch to the United States. A move to another Premier League club has been ruled out, but teams in La Liga and Ligue 1 could still enter the frame. Juventus has denied making a move for the Egyptian.

Although the 33-year-old has registered 12 goals and nine assists this season, his overall output has declined from the elite level that produced 57 goal involvements last year. This drop in influence has fuelled debate over whether the forward still offers the physical sharpness and tactical consistency required in Liverpool’s evolving setup at Anfield.

In an interview with EPL Index, Babbel questioned Salah's work rate and overall harmony with Arne Slot, describing his performances this season as “shockingly poor”. He argued that Salah’s dip in form should have led to a quicker decision to remove him from the starting XI, also pointing to a noticeable lack of happiness under the Liverpool head coach as a key factor behind his inconsistent displays.

Markus Babbel criticized Salah's performances this season(Image: Christof Koepsel/Bongarts/Getty Images)

Criticizing Salah’s recent output and his decision to pursue a new challenge elsewhere, Babbel said: “I think it was the right decision. It was a tough season for him and it’s not what we know of him. He’s always been the player to make a difference, but we haven’t seen that much this season.

"I’m not sure if the relationship with Arne Slot was the best because it looks like he’s not too happy with the manager. At times I was surprised that Slot let him on the pitch because he was so bad! We can all play bad, but he wasn’t working for the team and that is the biggest disappointment. I would’ve taken him out of the team earlier.”

Despite his criticism of the current campaign, Babbel was quick to stress that Salah’s legacy at Liverpool remains unquestionable. However, with the forward approaching the final stages of his time in England, attention is increasingly turning to the financial demands of his next move, and whether European clubs can realistically compete with his wage expectations.

Assessing Salah’s long-term impact at Anfield and the possible direction of his future, the 53-year-old added: “But over the last 10 years, he has been an absolute superstar, but this season it has been very difficult for him. He is a legend there and one of the best player to have ever played for Liverpool. What next? If he wants to earn a lot of money then Saudi makes sense, but I’m not sure many European sides can afford him.”

Salah has four matches remaining to bring his nine-year illustrious Liverpool career to a close, with a push for the highest possible Premier League finish still on the agenda.

The Egyptian forward recently opened the scoring in a 2-1 Merseyside derby win and will be determined to maintain that momentum before the summer transfer window. While interest from the Saudi Pro League and clubs in Serie A persists, his immediate focus remains on ending his final chapter at Anfield on a competitive high.