Mansion Sports – Mohamed Salah is reported to be in communication with Saudi Pro League giants Al-Ittihad regarding a potential transfer in the upcoming summer window.

The Egyptian forward has long been a target for Saudi Arabian clubs since the Public Investment Fund began pouring significant investment into their domestic competition.

Amid a season considered less smooth with Liverpool, Salah has once again emerged on the shortlist as the next marquee signing.

Salah Projected to Depart in the Summer Despite Recently Extending Contract

Salah previously played a key role when Liverpool secured the Premier League title in Arne Slot’s first season as manager at Anfield.

Last season, the Egypt international scored 29 league goals, his highest tally since his debut campaign with Liverpool in 2017–2018, and also provided 18 assists. However, his productivity has declined this season.

After signing a contract extension in April, Salah has managed only four Premier League goals this season.

Nevertheless, interest from Saudi Arabia has not diminished. A report by Foot Mercato states that negotiations between Salah’s representatives and Al-Ittihad have begun, and optimism about reaching an agreement this time is greater than in the previous year.

The 33-year-old is reportedly increasingly open to the prospect of continuing his career in the Middle East, where he could potentially become the league’s biggest icon despite the presence of names such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Sadio Mane.

Al-Ittihad Hit After Losing Benzema and Kante

Al-Ittihad, one of the four clubs directly owned by the Public Investment Fund, are experiencing a season far below expectations in their attempt to defend the title.

The reigning champions currently sit seventh in the standings and trail leaders Al-Hilal by 16 points after 20 matches.

Their situation has become even more difficult after losing two key players during the January transfer window. Karim Benzema moved to Al-Hilal and is now aiming to secure a second consecutive Pro League title.

Meanwhile, midfielder N’Golo Kante returned to Europe to join Fenerbahce in Turkey.

Al-Ittihad’s squad is now considered weakened, with Fabinho, Moussa Diaby, Houssem Aouar, and new signing Youssef En-Nesyri among the most recognizable names in the team.

The interest in Salah is not surprising, considering he has been identified as the ideal figure to replace Benzema’s role.

Salah Returns to Liverpool Starting Lineup After Mid-Season Drama

Salah’s dip in form at the start of the season led Arne Slot to remove him from the starting lineup.

After three matches on the bench, Salah voiced criticism in December by stating that he felt sacrificed and that his relationship with the manager had deteriorated, while also suggesting he was blamed for the team’s inconsistent results.

Shortly afterward, he joined the national team to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations.

In recent weeks, Salah has regained his place in the starting eleven, featuring from the start in five matches since returning from international duty.

He scored one goal during that period, which came in Liverpool’s emphatic 6-0 victory over Qarabag in the Champions League.

Liverpool Engaged in Intense Race for Champions League Qualification

Although Salah’s future is expected to remain under scrutiny until the end of the season, the primary focus for Arne Slot and the Liverpool squad is the increasingly tense battle for Champions League qualification.

Liverpool have fallen out of the top four after securing only one victory in their last seven Premier League matches.

That run began with four consecutive draws, followed by defeats to Bournemouth and Manchester City.

They currently trail fourth-placed Manchester United by five points. The gap could widen to eight points if United defeat West Ham United before Liverpool travel to Sunderland.

Slot must also contend with additional challenges due to the absence of several players such as Alexander Isak, Joe Gomez, Jeremie Frimpong, and Conor Bradley through injury.

In addition, Dominik Szoboszlai is serving a one-match suspension after receiving a red card in the defeat against Manchester City.