Mohamed Salah targeted as 'ideal' replacement for five-time Premier League winner

Mohamed Salah is now officially a free agent after his contract with Liverpool expired, and the Egyptian continues to be touted for his next move.

Salah announced he would be leaving Liverpool in March when he posted an emotional video on social media, reflecting on a largely incredible nine years at Anfield.

The 34-year-old rose to prominence as one of the best wingers in Premier League history, producing an eye-watering 195 goals and 93 assists in 328 top-flight appearances.

But the ending to Salah's Liverpool career was soured by his relationship with Arne Slot, as he publicly slammed the Dutchman for his tactics and felt like he was "thrown under the bus" by the club.

Slot, of course, was eventually sacked and replaced by Andoni Iraola at the end of May, but the damage was already done and the explosive forward had already decided to leave Merseyside.

Salah has since been linked with a move to Turkish giants Fenerbahce, while links to the Saudi Pro League continue to persist after he almost joined Al-Ittihad in a record-breaking deal in 2023.

A lucrative switch to Saudi Arabia appears to be the most likely outcome for the veteran, and according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Al-Ahli are pushing to sign him as a successor to the departing Riyad Mahrez.

Tavolieri states that Al-Ahli see Salah as the "ideal replacement" for the five-time Premier League winner, who netted 37 goals and provided 50 assists in 122 appearances for the club after joining from Manchester City in 2023.

The Saudi Pro League giants have paid £12.4million to release Mahrez from his contract, and that could open the door to offer Salah huge wages to join the club.

Al-Ahli president already green lighted Mohamed Salah transfer

Salah is currently on World Cup duty with Egypt, and he's lit up the tournament with one goal and two assists in his first three appearances.

Those contributions helped Egypt finish second in Group G behind Belgium and they will now face Australia in the last 32 on Friday.

For Salah, it's another opportunity to make history for his country, who have never progressed beyond the round of 16 at the prestigious tournament.

Meanwhile, more outstanding performances will open further avenues in the transfer market, with Al-Ahli president Khaled Al-Eissa already green lighting a potential move to Saudi.

"Saudi football, under the vision of the Crown Prince [Mohamed bin Salman], was interested in all international players. The Crown Prince's vision made the Kingdom a preferred destination (for players) and most players are looking to play in the Kingdom," Al-Eissa said in 2025.

"We are interested in all international players. Captain Mohamed Salah is definitely at the top of the list, and we are happy to have him in Saudi Arabia. God willing, at the right time, he will be with one of the Saudi clubs."

A transfer for the Reds legend should therefore be possible once his potentially final World Cup campaign draws to a close, and that would surely delight everyone associated with Al-Ahli.