Why Mohamed Salah turned down £500m Saudi offer to stay at Liverpool

Why Mohamed Salah turned down £500m Saudi offer to stay at Liverpool
Why Mohamed Salah turned down £500m Saudi offer to stay at Liverpool

New Delhi: Mohamed Salah’s future had been the subject of intense speculation for months. With Saudi Arabian clubs circling and offering record-breaking sums, many believed Liverpool’s talisman might be tempted to move away. But the dust has now finally settled, as the Egyptian King is staying at Anfield.

It wasn’t a simple decision. Even at one point, Salah himself had hinted that his time at Liverpool might be coming to an end. But beneath all the noise, the Egyptian forward always wanted to remain with the club that’s been his home for eight years now.

Back in November, Salah sparked conversations about his future when he said he was “more out than in”. But it wasn’t just about walking away; it was about finding the right situation for both himself and Liverpool. In the end, both parties wanted the same thing to continue their successful journey together. What they needed was a deal that worked for both sides.

That breakthrough came in late March after a lengthy discussion between Salah’s agent, Ramy Abbas Issa and Liverpool’s new sporting director Richard Hughes and finally, the progress was made. The details of the agreement were wrapped up this past week, bringing months of speculation to a close.

Liverpool’s star gets a well-deserved reward 

Salah’s new contract keeps him at the club until he’s 34. And he’s not taking a pay cut; he will earn close to £400,000 a week, reflecting his importance to the team. While Liverpool rarely hands out such deals to players in their thirties, Salah is not an average player.

He has delivered 54 goal contributions already this season, a number few in world football can match. Replacing someone of his caliber would cost the Reds not only huge money but also time and effort, which they couldn’t afford to waste. So, they made an exception, recognising how vital Salah still is to the team’s future.

What has also helped Liverpool’s ability to make this deal happen is the expected exit of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid once his contract runs out. That shift would allow the club to reallocate funds toward retaining key figures like Salah and Virgil van Dijk.

Why No to Saudi Millions

The numbers coming out of Saudi Arabia were staggering. Salah was offered at least £500 million to make the move, a figure that would’ve made him one of the highest-paid athletes in history. It was more than just a contract; it was a proposal that appealed to both pride and financial gain, especially for one of the Arab world’s most iconic players. While money plays a crucial role when it comes to contractual negotiations but it wasn’t the determining factor for a footballer who is at the peak of his prowess.

He’s in top physical shape, and those close to him believe he can continue performing at the highest level for at least another three years. Salah feels the same and he is not yet done with European football. He is eyeing big trophies, another Premier League title, another Champions League win, and perhaps even a shot at the Ballon d’Or. His best-ever finishes in the Ballon d’Or race were fifth in 2019 and 2022, but he believes there’s more to come.

The Saudi opportunity first came into the picture a year ago, and there is a good chance the door will remain open later in his career. But for now, the competitive fire still burns strong.

Other reasons

Beyond football, there are personal reasons that played a part in Salah’s decision. His family is happy on Merseyside. His wife Magi and daughters Makka and Kayan have built a comfortable life there. Moving to a different country with a very different lifestyle would have meant starting over that weighed on the decision, too.

There’s also a national team angle. Salah wants to be at his best for Egypt as they gear up for the Africa Cup of Nations and prepare for the next World Cup. Staying in Europe, competing at the highest level is the best way for him to stay sharp for those big international moments.

Looking ahead…

With the new contract signed, Salah can now focus on helping Liverpool push for their 20th league title. He remains one of the most feared forwards in the world and is as hungry as ever to win.

In the end, it wasn’t just about money. It was about ambition, legacy, and loyalty and for Liverpool fans, the decision means their No. 11 is not going anywhere, not yet.

 Mohamed Salah signs a new two-year deal with Liverpool, turning down Saudi interest to chase more glory in European football with the Reds.  Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today