Saudi Arabia’s Sports Minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, expressed his desire to see Mohamed Salah (pictured) play in the kingdom. [Getty]
Saudi Arabia has made its most significant statement yet regarding its ongoing pursuit of the Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah, as speculation grows about his future at the Premier League side.
In an interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored on Thursday, Saudi Arabia’s Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, told the British journalist that he would love to see Salah play in the kingdom, but ultimately, it was up to Saudi Pro League clubs to make an offer.
Al-Faisal expressed hope that Salah, 32, would leave the Premier League and follow in Cristiano Ronaldo’s footsteps, who plays for Riyadh side Al-Nassr, saying it would be a “privilege” to have him play in the Middle East.
The Egyptian forward’s contract at Liverpool runs out this summer, with no agreement yet in place for an extension. Commenting on his situation, Salah admitted: “There’s nothing, we’re far away from any progress, so we just need to wait and see.”
Al-Faisal told Morgan that if Salah “ticks all the right boxes, even for us, we’d love to have him. He’s, you know, he’s Egyptian, and we have a very good relationship, and we feel like we are one with the Egyptians as well, from our culture and our history and so on.
“So to have Mo Salah or other players that are good role models would be, you know, a pleasure and a privilege to have in the Saudi League.
“Will it happen or not? That’s up to the clubs to decide and to see what negotiations go on.”
Al -Faisal stressed that Salah is “the most high-profile Muslim player in the world” and one of the best players globally.
It comes after Neymar Jr’s recent departure from Al Hilal, raising questions about whether Saudi clubs could now attempt to sign the Egyptian star.
Several high-profile footballers have already made the switch to Saudi Arabia, but Salah would be the league’s biggest signing since Al-Nassr secured Cristiano Ronaldo after his Manchester United exit.
Currently leading the Premier League Golden Boot race, Salah has continued to break records this season, further cementing his status as one of the world’s top players.
