Ex-Egypt star makes wild Mo Salah claim as Saudis continue 'aggressive' transfer pursuit

Former Egypt striker Mido has sensationally claimed that 'contracts have been signed' to take Mohamed Salah to the Saudi Pro League next season.

Salah has been a known target of the newly monied Saudi league since last summer, when Liverpool rejected an offer supposedly worth up to £150m from Al Ittihad for the forward.

While that offer was instantly dismissed, speculation over Salah's future has continued.

Liverpool's record Premier League goalscorer has less than 18 months to run on his current Liverpool contract and the Reds' hierarchy face a big decision over whether to offer another big-money renewal, sell this summer or face the prospect of losing a star asset for nothing in 2025.

Interest in Salah from Saudi Arabia is expected to continue despite last summer's setback, with the Egyptian high on the government-backed league's list of targets due to his status as the Arab world's biggest sporting superstar.

ESPN report that as well as Salah, Liverpool stars Virgil van Dijk and Alisson are also 'on the agenda' for the Saudi Pro League this summer, with an 'aggressive transfer strategy' anticipated.

Meanwhile, former Ajax and Tottenham forward Mido has even claimed that a deal to take Salah to the Middle East has already been done.

The 41-year-old, who made 51 appearances for Egypt, wrote on X (Twitter): "Mohamed Salah in Saudi Pro League next season contracts have been signed".

It is a claim to be taken with an entire mine of salt.

Mido — a highly unlikely source for any scoop on Salah's future — has been a vocal critic of the winger in the past, recently calling out the Liverpool star for leaving Egypt to return to Merseyside during the Africa Cup of Nations after suffering a hamstring tear.

"Is Messi as a leader for Argentina like Salah as a leader for Egypt?" Mido said. "Salah is Egypt’s star, but does what he does with the national team resemble what Messi does with Argentina?

"Does Salah do what Ronaldo does with Portugal? Directing players in penalty kicks, saying who will take the shot and who will follow, and imposing his personality on everyone.

"Salah has evolved mentally, but he has never been a leader on the pitch, the evidence for that is why he didn’t get the captain’s armband at Liverpool?”

Anfield Watch understands that Salah, amid a phenomenal personal campaign, is open to extending his contract at Anfield beyond 2025.