Mohamed Salah is nearing a move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad on a deal worth $25 million per year for the 2026/27 season, according to reports from Turkish publication Sabah. The transfer follows the breakdown of talks with Turkish side Besiktas and Salah’s departure from Liverpool after terminating the final year of his contract.
Al-Ittihad Pursues $25 Million Deal After Besiktas Talks Collapse
Al-Ittihad has moved quickly to secure the 34-year-old forward following the collapse of negotiations between Salah’s representatives and Besiktas. According to Sabah, the Saudi club offered a yearly salary of $25 million, an agreement the player has reportedly accepted with a contract signing imminent.
Besiktas previously pursued the forward, assembling a package worth about €20 million per season including bonuses. That move stalled after representative demands exceeded what the Turkish club considered reasonable, causing Besiktas to withdraw from negotiations.
Financial Realities Shape the Market for 34-Year-Old Star
Salah left Liverpool at the end of June after agreeing to terminate the final year of a contract that paid roughly £400,000 a week. Relations behind the scenes had deteriorated with club figures, including Arne Slot, narrowing the market for the veteran forward. While several MLS sides—including San Diego FC and Sporting Kansas City—along with Fenerbahce and Italian clubs were linked, few organizations could absorb the full financial package required.
Did you know? Al-Ittihad previously pursued Salah during the 2023 transfer window, submitting a £150 million bid to Liverpool that was rejected at the time.
Liverpool Legacy and Changing Guard at Anfield
For Liverpool supporters, the exit closes a definitive chapter on a two-time Premier League winner and Champions League victor who anchored the club’s attack for years. While the financial security of a move to Saudi Arabia matches the player’s elite status, the friction surrounding his departure leaves mixed emotions among fans accustomed to clean exits for club legends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mohamed Salah’s salary at Al-Ittihad?
According to Sabah, Al-Ittihad has offered Salah a yearly salary of $25 million.
Why did the move to Besiktas fall through?
Besiktas withdrew from talks after representative demands exceeded what the Turkish club was willing to pay beyond their €20 million per season offer.
When did Salah leave Liverpool?
Salah left Liverpool at the end of June after terminating the final year of his contract.
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