Mohamed Salah transfer 'been in place a year' as Liverpool exit finally becomes reality

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Mohamed Salah is set to leave Liverpool with Al-Ittihad leading the race to sign the Egyptian forward. Fresh talks have taken place with Saudi Pro League clubs pushing ahead with a deal structure.

Mohamed Salah is on his way out of Anfield(Image: PA)

Mohamed Salah's stint at Liverpool is drawing to a close, but his next destination remains unclear. However, Saudi Pro League clubs are reportedly renewing their pursuit once more.

Prior to penning his new contract at Anfield in 2025, Salah carefully considered the prospect of departing Liverpool before eventually pledging his future to the club. With an exit now confirmed, it seems Salah’s representatives have been given assurances he will have the liberty to select his preferred destination within the Pro League.

According to TEAMtalk, fresh discussions have occurred in recent weeks, with Saudi officials said to be advancing a deal framework that has essentially 'been in place since last year'. Liverpool had previously turned down an approach from Al-Ittihad during the 2023 transfer window.

The Saudi champions submitted a verbal proposal worth approximately £150million to the Anfield hierarchy.

Al-Ittihad is reportedly at the forefront of the race and has established itself as the favorite to secure the Egyptian forward.

Speaking last week, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes Salah remains motivated enough to want to chase more Champions League goals before eventually yielding to the attraction of Saudi Arabia or North America's MLS. Speaking on The Overlap podcast, Carragher said: "I think Mo Salah, the way he's driven like a Ronaldo, I don't see the Saudi thing just yet.

Mohamed Salah of Liverpool is seen during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, 2nd Leg match between Liverpool and Galatasaray S.K. at Anfield, Liverpool, on March 19, 2026. (Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

"I can see him in Italy with one of the giants. I just think your career's over when you go there (Saudi Arabia). I think he'll still be looking at his Champions League record or how many goals he can get.

"I still think he thinks, 'I'm still one of the best players, and me leaving now is not the end of my top-level career, I've still got something to give'."

Carragher then went on to reflect: "In hindsight, could they have done this last summer? But how could you not give the best player in the Premier League a new contract last season. It's very difficult to say with hindsight. It probably happened a year earlier than we thought."