Liverpool have so far dealt relatively well with the newly rich Saudi Arabian clubs.
Ever since the Saudi Public Investment Fund sank a truck load of money into a handful of clubs last year, Liverpool have been of particular interest.
Jordan Henderson and Fabinho’s exits in summer of 2023 were both surprises to those at Anfield, but at least it did provide Liverpool with an injection of money and offloaded two aging players.
Meanwhile, the Reds have also successfully staved off strong interest in the likes of Mohamed Salah and Alisson Becker.
However, with the Saudi Pro League sides now set to be handed their budgets for the summer transfer window, Liverpool might find it hard to resist once again.
Saudi sides set for Mohamed Salah push
Heading into the summer, it had felt quite likely that Liverpool fans had seen the last of Salah at the club.
Having been subject to a ‘sign at all costs’ strategy from Al Hilal last year, the smart money was that with one year left on his Liverpool contract, Mo would be leaving.
However, it was surprisingly reported before the season even ended that Salah would likely be staying at Liverpool instead.
Since then, it has been all quiet on the Salah front. The £34m Egyptian is currently gearing up for his first pre-season under Arne Slot.
READ MORE: Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr ready to go all-out to sign Alisson Becker from Liverpool
According to journalist Graeme Bailey though, the period of calm has largely been a result of the Saudi clubs not knowing the extent of their budgets.
“The Saudi clubs don’t get their budgets until early July, which obviously is something to consider,” Bailey tells Rousing The Kop.
“So, once we see their budgets in place I expect that to step up, there’s still talks to be had over Mohamed Salah.
“We’ll have to see what happens with Arne Slot and Salah as well, we need to see what Slot wants to do,” adds the journalist. “I think we’ll see a bit more Salah talk to come this summer.”
Liverpool set Mohamed Salah deadline
The main reason it felt as though Salah would be calling it quits at Liverpool this summer is because of his contract situation.
The highest earner at the club, the 32-year-old has just 12 months to run on his deal.
This effects his situation two-fold. Firstly, it means that Liverpool may be more willing to accept a big offer rather than lose Salah on a free next season.
Secondly, it makes it unlikely that the Reds will offer the Egyptian King a new contract. Salah tailed off towards the end of last season and on that kind of form there’s no way he’s getting another bumper extension.
With that in mind, Liverpool have reportedly given themselves a deadline of August 1st in order to make a decision on a new contract for Salah.
If a big bid from Saudi Arabia comes in before then, they may no longer have a choice to make.