Explained: Why stunning Mohamed Salah transfer to Saudi Arabia could happen before summer window closes as Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler delivers insider information

The Egyptian superstar is tied to a contract at Anfield through to 2025, but speculation has surfaced regarding an apparent big-money offer from the Middle East. Those on Merseyside have been doing their best to distance Salah from the rumours, with Jurgen Klopp playing down the exit gossip, but the story refuses to go away.

There have been suggestions that Salah is open to discussing a move to Al-Ittihad, with ex-Reds striker Fowler – who is now in charge of Saudi second tier side Al-Qadsiah – telling The Mirror when offering an inside view on a remarkable transfer saga: “Here in Saudi Arabia, I can tell you the Mohamed Salah story is generating even more headlines than back in the UK. The link is there because the Pro League is absolutely serious about attracting the BEST players. I’m talking from the inside here. I know what the plan is - and that is to become one of the top five leagues in the world in the next five to 10 years. And the only way to do that is to invest in real talent. Which is why I wouldn't rule out Salah coming over here, if not this summer then at some point. And even in this window, you just don’t know, because it is not really down to clubs any more, it’s down to the player. If he wants to leave, then he will eventually leave. Don’t be totally amazed if that happens in the next week or two, because the Saudi window is open later than back in the Premier League (until September 20).”

Fowler, who scored 183 goals across his two spells at Liverpool, added on the potential of Salah leaving English football in the current window: “We speak about emerging leagues making statements. The Premier League did that when they started signing the best talent in the world, and Mo Salah would be the ultimate statement, which is why I’m amazed this interest didn’t surface a long time ago. As I say, I can see him ending up here eventually - though I genuinely hope it is a long way in the future, and definitely not now - but I can see a lot of good players ending up here. Is the plan here sustainable? It looks that way to me. I think it’s far more sustainable than other leagues who’ve tried to attract the best players. People have drawn the comparison with the Chinese League, but this is a totally different situation. Mo Salah has achieved everything he can achieve in the Premier League, and he has given incredible service to Liverpool and English football. If he does decide he wants to try something different, you have to respect that. I say this to him: the league here is serious, and it is only going to grow, so he can come here with confidence. I’d also say, as a Liverpool fan, please don’t go Mo... not for a few years yet!”

Salah has hit 187 goals for Liverpool through 307 appearances, with his exploits at Anfield often being of the record-breaking variety. He has not publicly stated a desire to move on in 2023, but he is now 31 years of age and is aware that a lucrative contract would be waiting for him to sign in Saudi Arabia if he were to follow former team-mates Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino to that region.