Mo Salah Risks Being ‘Instantly Blacklisted’ from the Saudi Pro League Because of a Little-Known Rule
The football world has been gripped by the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah’s future at Liverpool. Tension escalated after his angry remarks following the 3-3 draw with Leeds United, during which he criticised both the club and manager Arne Slot.
Salah accused Liverpool of “throwing him under the bus” and admitted that his relationship with Slot has completely collapsed. He was then omitted from the squad that travelled to Italy for the 1-0 victory over Inter Milan.
The Egyptian winger is also expected to miss this weekend’s Premier League fixture against Brighton. After that, he will join up with Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations. Though still unconfirmed, widespread speculation suggests Salah may have already played his final match in Liverpool’s iconic red shirt.
A Saudi Pro League Rule Could Complicate Salah’s Move
If Salah does leave in January, the Saudi Pro League appears to be the most likely destination. The league, backed by major financial power and already home to huge global stars, would reportedly have no hesitation in trying to sign him. Clubs such as Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli, and Al-Nassr are said to be leading the race.
However, navigating a transfer to Saudi Arabia won’t be straightforward. A 2023 report from The New York Times revealed new regulations introduced to control the immense spending of SPL clubs.
One rule states that any player requesting an annual salary above $3 million (£2.2 million) must receive approval from the league. Salah currently earns close to £21 million per year at Liverpool, meaning his move would automatically fall under heightened scrutiny.
Another regulation warns that players and agents who use one club’s interest to drive up offers from another could be “immediately blacklisted.” This means Salah and his agent, Ramy Abbas, will need to handle negotiations carefully.
A Signing Bigger Than Ronaldo?
Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2023 move to Al-Nassr was the moment global attention first shifted heavily toward the Saudi Pro League. Despite big-name arrivals since—such as Neymar, Sadio Mané, and Karim Benzema—Salah would arguably be the league’s most significant signing since Ronaldo.
After being named Liverpool’s Player of the Season in their 2024–25 title-winning campaign, few would have imagined Salah could leave just eight months later. Yet that scenario now feels increasingly possible. And if the Egyptian forward does make the switch, he is certainly capable of challenging Ronaldo and the league’s other stars at the top of the scoring charts.
