Liverpool could face the tough reality of losing Mo Salah at the end of this season, with former Reds sporting director Jorg Schmadtke suggesting a move to Saudi Arabia might be on the horizon.
The Reds, however, are already preparing for the possibility, having identified who could step in as Salah’s successor should he decide to leave.
Salah has been a huge asset for Liverpool since his £36.9 million arrival from Roma in 2017. With 219 goals across 363 appearances, he’s been nothing short of remarkable for the club. But with his contract expiring in just eight months, Salah will be free to negotiate with foreign clubs as early as January 1, leaving Liverpool with limited time to secure his future.
While Liverpool is eager to tie Salah down to a new deal, the 32-year-old knows he’s a hot commodity, and plenty of clubs would love to pick him up for free. Schmadtke, who served as Liverpool’s sporting director during Jurgen Klopp’s final season, recently hinted that a move to the Saudi League is very much a possibility.
Reflecting on Liverpool’s decision to reject a hefty £150 million offer from Al-Ittihad last season, Schmadtke shared his perspective on Salah’s future. He told Al-Eqtisadiah that, with the Saudi League’s rapid growth due to substantial investments, a move could make sense for Salah.
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Schmadtke noted, “The Saudi League is developing every year, with more money being invested. It’s a league that’s now impacting European clubs, though I wouldn’t call it harmful. If I got a good offer, I wouldn’t mind working there myself.”
Salah has kept his future plans mostly under wraps, especially after his cryptic comments following Liverpool’s 3-0 victory over Manchester United. While his agent addressed rumors with a brief statement on social media, insiders suggest Salah’s preference is still to remain at Anfield.
Despite this, the lack of an agreement as his contract ticks down raises genuine concerns. Back in September, sources told TEAMtalk that Liverpool was growing increasingly anxious about the chances of retaining Salah, with initial discussions failing to lead to a deal.
Currently, Salah earns around £350,000 per week at Liverpool. Al-Ittihad, however, is reportedly willing to pay him an astounding £1.3 million weekly, which puts Liverpool in a difficult position. FSG, the club’s owners, must weigh whether renewing at such a high rate makes sense for a player who’s already 32.
Manager Arne Slot, meanwhile, has maintained a calm stance, focusing on Salah’s current contributions rather than his contract status. Slot has praised the commitment of Salah, as well as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk, emphasizing that their performance hasn’t dipped despite looming contract uncertainties.
Slot recently commented, “The contract situation could become an issue if it affected their performance, but all three are delivering at a high level.” He added that ongoing discussions with players like Van Dijk are taking place, but he prefers to keep his conversations with them on other topics.
Slot also noted that the uncertainty is simply part of the game. “As Virgil mentioned, no one knows the future until a contract is signed,” he said, underlining that he’s leaving negotiations to those responsible while focusing on the players’ current form.
If Salah does decide to move on, Liverpool is prepared. The Reds have reportedly set their sights on Egyptian winger Omar Marmoush as a potential replacement. Marmoush, currently at Eintracht Frankfurt, has been making waves with an impressive tally of goals and assists this season.
According to reports from Germany, Liverpool has already been in touch with Marmoush’s representatives. The player has recorded 11 goals and seven assists in just 13 games this season, making him an attractive option if Salah heads for new pastures.
Marmoush wouldn’t come cheap, however, with Frankfurt likely to hold out for a significant fee. But Liverpool sees him as the ideal candidate to take over Salah’s role if necessary, given his similar play style and scoring prowess.
Liverpool’s future plans don’t stop at replacing Salah. The Reds are also eyeing a new midfielder, with Real Madrid’s talents rumored to be of interest. Despite missing out on Martin Zubimendi over the summer, the club remains active in strengthening the squad.
Additionally, Liverpool is considering a fresh option at left-back as Andy Robertson, while still solid, isn’t as dominant as he once was. The Reds have been linked to Ajax’s young talent, Jorrel Hato, though some believe a Premier League alternative might be more appealing.
It’s clear Liverpool has plans in place as they navigate the uncertainties around Salah’s future and other potential lineup changes. With solid backup options being considered, the club aims to stay competitive regardless of what the next transfer window brings.
