Slaven Bilic: Mohamed Salah Was Ready for Saudi

Former Premier League manager Slaven Bilic has claimed that Mohamed Salah was prepared to leave Liverpool for Saudi Arabia before Jurgen Klopp announced his departure from Anfield.

Bilic, who previously managed West Ham and has experience working in Saudi Arabia with Al Fateh, suggested that the Egyptian superstar was on the verge of making a high-profile switch to the Saudi Pro League. Speaking to talkSPORT, Bilic revealed:

“There has definitely been a shift this season under Arne Slot. Having spent time in Saudi Arabia last year, I know Salah wasn’t entirely happy under Jurgen Klopp, and we fully expected him to move. The entire football community in Saudi Arabia was ready for him, and he would have been the face of the league. As far as we were concerned, the deal was practically done—Salah was set to join Al-Ittihad.”

However, despite strong speculation and lucrative offers, the move never materialized. Bilic acknowledged Salah’s decision, adding:

“I wasn’t surprised he stayed. He knows that the opportunity will still be there when he decides to leave Liverpool. It’s not a short-term offer; Saudi clubs are in it for the long haul.”

Salah was heavily linked with a transfer to the Middle East during the summer of 2023, with reports of significant bids being made to lure him away from Anfield. Interest from Saudi clubs remained persistent well into 2024, particularly with the forward nearing the final year of his contract.