Mohamed Salah may have recently reaffirmed his loyalty to Liverpool, but Saudi Arabia’s admiration for the Egyptian superstar remains undiminished. Speaking ahead of the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Saudi Arabia’s sports minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, described Mohamed Salah as an “iconic Arab Muslim” whose profile fits perfectly with the ambitions of the Saudi Pro League (SPL).
“Mohamed Salah is a superstar, and he symbolizes the identity of what we are building in Saudi football,” Al-Faisal stated. While he acknowledged the excitement surrounding Mohamed Salah’s decision to renew his contract with Liverpool, he clarified that despite media links, there were no direct discussions between the player and Saudi clubs. “From Day 1, there have been rumors, but a lot of them are not true,” the minister emphasized.
Commitment to Youth-Led Growth Strategy
Although Mohamed Salah remains a dream signing, Prince Abdulaziz made it clear that the SPL’s current strategy prioritizes the acquisition of younger talents. He underlined that the league is no longer merely a destination for ageing stars but a competitive environment aiming for long-term growth.
“We’re working on a strategic plan that focuses on young players who can develop the league,” he said. Recent high-profile signings like 21-year-old Jhon Durán at Al Nassr and 25-year-old Moussa Diaby at Al Ittihad reflect this shift. According to Al-Faisal, Saudi Arabia’s approach is to build a competitive domestic competition that can stand the test of time, rather than a short-term star attraction.
Mohamed Salah’s Exceptional Form Highlights His Appeal
Mohamed Salah’s sensational performances this season only heighten his appeal. In a campaign that many describe as career-defining, the Egyptian forward has amassed an astounding 32 goals and 23 assists across 46 games. His exploits have propelled Liverpool to the brink of reclaiming the Premier League title.
The forward’s form had intensified speculation of a big-money move to Saudi Arabia last year. However, with Liverpool securing his services through a new two-year contract, Mohamed Salah has signaled his commitment to continuing his story at Anfield. Nonetheless, his star power remains attractive to Saudi football enthusiasts and officials alike.
A Shift From Aging Legends to Rising Stars
In previous seasons, the SPL made headlines by recruiting aging icons like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar, turning global attention towards the Middle East. However, the recent window marked a clear departure from that model, with a youthful influx aiming to raise the league’s competitive standards.
Al-Faisal highlighted how the new signings have impacted the Saudi football landscape, stating, “The competition this season is unbelievable. If you look at the top four clubs, the gap is narrow, and the quality has significantly improved.” The youth-centric recruitment policy has evidently injected fresh energy into the league, setting the stage for sustained success.
Saudi Pro League’s Bright Future
The Saudi Pro League’s 2024-25 season has been one of its most exciting yet. Al Ittihad currently lead the standings with 65 points after 28 matches, maintaining a four-point advantage over traditional powerhouse Al Hilal. With young stars making their mark and the league’s profile continuing to rise internationally, Saudi football appears to be entering a new golden era.
Looking ahead, the Saudi authorities remain committed to balancing the allure of global superstars like Mohamed Salah with the long-term vision of developing young, dynamic talents. “It’s about building a legacy,” Prince Abdulaziz concluded, “one where young players can thrive, and Saudi football can take its rightful place on the world stage.”
