Salah Tops Al-Ittihad’s Wishlist After Benzema Departure

Mohamed Salah transfer rumors are heating up as Al-Ittihad make the Liverpool forward their number one target following Karim Benzema’s dramatic switch to Al-Hilal. With the Saudi Pro League’s focus on attracting global superstars and recent turbulence among top names, Salah’s potential move could spark another seismic shift in Middle Eastern football.

Mohamed Salah Transfer Rumors Intensify Amid Saudi Pro League Shuffle

Mohamed Salah transfer rumors have taken center stage after Al-Ittihad identified the Egyptian star as their prime candidate to fill the void left by Karim Benzema. The former Ballon d’Or winner’s shock move from Al-Ittihad to league leaders Al-Hilal has sent ripples across the Saudi Pro League, intensifying the club’s search for a new talisman as they look to recover from a disappointing title defense.

Salah, who signed a new contract with Liverpool in April but has endured a challenging season, scoring just six goals, has long been on the radar of ambitious Saudi clubs. His public criticism of Liverpool in December and subsequent departure to the Africa Cup of Nations fueled speculation about his future on Merseyside. Now, with Al-Ittihad’s urgent need for a marquee signing and Moussa Diaby possibly exiting, Salah’s situation is being closely monitored.

Saudi Pro League Seeks New Icons as Benzema and Ronaldo Stir Headlines

The Benzema saga is only part of the ongoing drama. Cristiano Ronaldo, still Saudi football’s biggest star, has reportedly grown disillusioned with life at Al-Nassr. Sources suggest he believes the Public Investment Fund (PIF) orchestrated Benzema’s transfer to favor Al-Hilal’s title charge, leaving Ronaldo feeling unsupported. His frustrations echo the broader ambitions of Saudi football: to maintain global attention and attract world-class talent ahead of the 2034 World Cup.

Meanwhile, Al-Hilal’s acquisition of Benzema is a statement of intent. The Jeddah-based side now boast a roster including Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Malcom, Darwin Nunez, and Theo Hernandez, putting head coach Simone Inzaghi in a commanding position for the title race. Al-Ittihad, now languishing in sixth with only 34 points from 19 matches, are desperate for a new superstar—making the Mohamed Salah transfer rumors increasingly plausible.

Transfer Market Dynamics: Salah, Kante, and the Summer Window

Al-Ittihad’s interest in Salah is not new. A £150 million bid was already rejected by Liverpool last year, and Salah himself admitted that Saudi officials were “serious” about bringing him to the Middle East. While the current transfer window is closed, Al-Ittihad are expected to launch a renewed pursuit this summer, especially if Diaby departs.

Further complicating matters, Al-Ittihad could lose another key player in N’Golo Kante, rumored to be close to a move to Turkish giants Fenerbahce. Administrative mishaps delayed the transfer, but the French midfielder’s desire to leave remains strong. Should Kante move, Al-Ittihad would face yet another blow to their already faltering campaign.

What Salah’s Next Move Means for Liverpool and the Saudi Pro League

The departure of a player of Salah’s stature would create a significant gap at Liverpool, a club already navigating a transitional period. For Al-Ittihad and the Saudi Pro League, however, securing Salah would reinforce the league’s growing reputation as a destination for the world’s best talent. With ambitions tied to the 2034 World Cup, Saudi football is determined to maintain its momentum despite behind-the-scenes challenges and high-profile player unrest.

Opinion: Is the Saudi Pro League Ready for Salah?

In my view, the prospect of seeing Mohamed Salah in the Saudi Pro League would mark another bold chapter in the region’s football revolution. While questions remain about player satisfaction and long-term project stability, there is no denying the ambition and resources being deployed. If Salah decides to make the switch, both the league and the player stand to benefit, but only if Saudi clubs can address the concerns that have unsettled stars like Benzema and Ronaldo.

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