Salah’s shocking European U-turn: Will he turn his back on Saudi millions in his final act in Europe? |International Sports News

What long seemed like a simple, high-value move away from Europe is no longer so certain, with Mohamed Salah now leaning towards an unexpected option that has quietly emerged in the context of his exit from Liverpool Football Club. Early speculation linked him with Saudi side Al Nasr Football Club, but that path is now less clear as other options emerge. The 33-year-old has confirmed that his nine-year spell on Merseyside will end this summer, but while the financial appeal of the Saudi Professional League remains strong, discussions elsewhere suggest his next step may not follow the expected script.

Fenerbahce talks and salary expectations

According to Turkish media reports sportsFenerbahce have held two meetings with Salah’s agents to explore the possibility of bringing him to Istanbul, with journalist Erdem Akbas saying club representative Ertan Toruno Urari was directly involved in the discussions. During those talks, Salah reportedly outlined salary expectations of around £333,000-a-week, which is closely related to what he currently earns at Liverpool and would make him one of the highest-paid players in Europe. The same report suggests Salah is seeking an annual salary of around €20 million and has made it clear he wants to continue his career in Europe rather than leave the continent at this stage. A third round of negotiations was scheduled to take place following Fenerbahce’s recent derby against Galatasaray, but was suspended due to the club’s electoral decision, leaving the situation unresolved.

Fenerbahce background and team building

Fenerbahce, based in the Kadikoy district of Istanbul, was founded in 1907 and remains one of Turkey’s most famous and widely supported clubs, competing in the Turkish Super League and regularly participating in European competitions through UEFA.The club has a history of attracting big names, including Roberto Carlos (who played there for three seasons from 2007 to 2009) and Mesut Ozil (who joined in 2021, later moved to Istanbul Basaksehir and retired in 2023).Recently, the team has been reinforced by players such as Ederson, Leroy Sane and N’Golo Kante, reflecting an aggressive recruitment strategy.Former head coach Jose Mourinho, who took office in June 2024, was fired on August 29, 2025 after failing to qualify for the Champions League group stage.With three weeks left in the current Super League campaign, Fenerbahce trail arch-rivals Galatasaray by seven points and their title hopes hang in the balance but are not mathematically over.

Contract situation and Liverpool exit timetable

Salah left despite signing a contract extension last summer that ran until 2027, with Liverpool opting to allow the Egypt international to leave on a free transfer at the end of the season. His final weeks at the club were further complicated by injuries, with him forced off the sidelines in the 3-1 win over Crystal Palace on April 25 with a “minor” muscle problem. He was substituted an hour before the end of the game and greeted the Anfield fans as he left the ground in an emotional moment that sparked fears it could be his final appearance at the stadium. Liverpool later confirmed in a statement: “Liverpool Football Club can confirm that Mohamed Salah is expected to play again before the end of the season. “The number 11 was substituted in the second half of last Saturday’s Premier League win over Crystal Palace at Anfield. “However, Salah is expected to return to action at the end of the 2025-26 season and before leaving the Reds this summer.” Head coach Arne Slott remains hopeful that Salah will feature again before the end of the season, with games against Manchester United, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Brentford still on the cards.

Saudi Professional League interest and alternatives

Clubs in the Saudi Professional League remain the main contenders for Salah’s signature, according to reports Betfair Odds are priced at 8/11, with the league’s financial strength and long-term recruiting strategy continuing to target global stars. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has long viewed Salah as a central figure in raising the league’s global profile and is likely to position him for Along with players like Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr. Major League Soccer is considered the next most likely destination at odds of 15/8, reflecting its growing appeal as a competitive and commercially attractive league, while a return to Roma is available at 10/1. Roma remains a sentimental choice given Salah’s previous experience in Italy, where he scored 19 goals and helped the club reach the Champions League quarter-finals. Other clubs listed on the betting market include FC Barcelona, ​​Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United at 11/1, followed by AC Milan and Real Madrid at 12/1, Juventus at 14/1, Bayern Munich at 22/1 and Tottenham Hotspur at 25/1.

Performance and valuation this quarter

Salah’s personal performance is still strong. The forward has scored 12 goals and 9 assists in 39 appearances this season, and his current market valuation is estimated to be around 30 million euros. Despite his injury problems, Liverpool internally expect him to return before the end of the season, which could see him make his final appearance in the final Anfield game against Brentford on May 24, 2026.

The timing of his recovery ahead of the international break is also significant for Egypt, especially given his previous experience of not fully recovering during the 2018 World Cup, which is just weeks away.

Decisions still pending as next steps take shape

While Saudi Arabia continues to offer the most financially lucrative route, conversations with Fenerbahce, and Salah’s reported preference to stay in Europe, introduce a new dimension to a seemingly resolved transfer saga. With talks paused but not broken down, multiple markets still at play and a final decision still unresolved, Salah’s next move could define the final phase of his 14-year career at the top level of European football.