Mo Salah Risks Being ‘Instantly Blacklisted’ from the Saudi Pro League Because of a Unique Regulation
The Egypt international’s most realistic destination—should he leave Anfield in January—is the Saudi Pro League. The cash-rich division, which has already attracted several global superstars, is reportedly ready to move quickly for the Liverpool icon.
But if Salah decides to explore that route, he’ll need to navigate the process carefully. Clubs like Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr are seen as leading contenders for his signature. His situation has become one of the biggest talking points in world football, especially after his outburst following Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Leeds United, where he criticised the club and manager Arne Slot.
After accusing Liverpool of “throwing him under the bus” and admitting his relationship with Slot has completely collapsed, the winger was dropped from the squad for the 1-0 win over Inter Milan. He is also expected to miss the upcoming Premier League match against Brighton before joining Egypt ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations. Many now believe he may have already played his last game for Liverpool, though nothing is official.
This is where negotiations could become complicated, with his agent playing a decisive role. A 2023 New York Times report revealed that due to the massive spending by Saudi clubs, new regulations were introduced to better control financial outlays.
One rule states that any player requesting more than $3 million (£2.2m) per year must be personally approved by the league. Salah currently earns just under £21 million annually at Liverpool after his recent lucrative contract extension.
Another regulation warns that players or agents who attempt to use one club as leverage to secure a higher offer from another could be immediately blacklisted.
The world first began paying close attention to the Saudi league’s rise when Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in early 2023—still the most significant signing the division has made. Since then, stars like Neymar, Sadio Mané and Karim Benzema have followed, but Salah’s arrival would be even more monumental.
After producing a Player of the Season campaign for the Premier League champions in 2024–25, few could have imagined him leaving so soon. Yet that outcome now appears very possible—and Salah certainly has the quality to go head-to-head with Ronaldo and the rest at the top of the scoring charts.