However, Salah’s move fell through and Liverpool quickly rejected Al Ittihad’s $191 million bid on the final day of the September transfer window. Since then, there has been uncertainty over whether there will be renewed interest in the winter transfer window. But league director Michael Emenalo suggested in mid-December that no action would be taken next month. Instead, Liverpool will be without the number 11 shirt when they take part in the AFCON after the New Year’s game against Newcastle.
He could be out for more than a month and then return with a team that could push for a top-four finish to end the season. However, if Salah does not agree a new deal on Merseyside before the end of the season, that could pave the way for the next chapter in the story. According to Ben Jacobs, the SPL has agreed to allow member clubs to register 10 foreign players in a 25-man eight-man squad. However, only 8 players can play in each match. These changes will make it easier for SPL clubs to attract overseas talent. This was a big problem for Al Ittihad when they tried to sign Salah in the summer. Although they didn’t get him, there were 10 foreign players at the start of the season. This meant former Celtic player Jota and former West Brom defender Ahmed Hegazi were unable to register for the domestic competition. They still have to whittle down that list before Salah is guaranteed a starting spot and a big salary, but that makes things easier. Meanwhile, Liverpool will have to decide whether to keep the 32-year-old, who is the club’s highest-paid player, or sell him for a big fee and replace him.
The Saudi Arabian Professional League (SPL) has approved rule changes that could affect a number of Premier League clubs. For Liverpool, Mohamed Salah’s future could be in greater doubt in 2024 if they fail to agree a new deal to keep him at Anfield. Salah, who is under contract until the summer of 2025 and is the 10th top scorer in Premier League history, has been the subject of transfer speculation since this summer. The SPL, which is supported by the National Social Welfare Fund, has made it clear that it wants to attract the best talent from Europe.
