Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian King, vacates his Anfield throne as a free agent after nine years. At just 33, he still has plenty to offer.
| Salah’s next club | Odds |
| Any Saudi Pro League club (four combined odds) | 3/1 |
| Any MLS club | 4/1 |
| Roma | 6/1 |
| Juventus | 10/1 |
| Bayern Munich | 20/1 |
| Real Madrid | 25/1 |
| Paris Saint-Germain | 33/1 |
Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at time of publishing and subject to change.
The end of a pharaonic era at Anfield
Mohamed Salah arrived from Roma in June 2017 in one of Liverpool’s most successful transfer windows under Jurgen Klopp. Nine years later, he leaves as one of the greatest players in Premier League history.
Salah’s numbers for the Reds are staggering: 257 goals and 123 assists in 442 appearances. He is Liverpool's third‑highest scorer in history, trailing only Ian Rush (346) and Roger Hunt (285).
He sits fourth on the Premier League's all-time scoring list with 191 goals, behind only Alan Shearer, Harry Kane and Wayne Rooney. No overseas player has ever scored more goals in the English top flight.
Liverpool’s trophy cabinet has only expanded in the Egyptian’s presence. Salah was the talisman of the team that claimed eight major trophies, including two Premier League titles, one Champions League and one FA Cup. He also won four Premier League Golden Boots.
However, his final season at Anfield was strained. A public fallout with manager Arne Slot led to regular benching and a sharp interview accusing the club of throwing him under the bus. In March, he announced his departure. On Sunday, he bid an emotional farewell in a 1-1 draw with Brentford.
The 33‑year‑old has time until the end of the 2026 World Cup to choose his next club.
“I’m going to the World Cup, and then everything will become clear,” he said. “If there is a good opportunity before then, I will decide. If not, I will make my decision after the World Cup.”
After almost a decade of wing mastery, Salah brings an end to a glorious chapter in England. Suitors are lining up.
Saudi suitors the trailblazers
Saudi Arabia has long been Salah’s obvious destination. As arguably the greatest Arab player of all time, he is the prime cultural and sporting target for the nation’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
At 3/1, Al-Ittihad are the pacesetters in the kingdom. The Jeddah club famously had a £150m deadline‑day bid rejected by Liverpool in September 2023. Now, with Salah available for free, they are understood to have reignited their pursuit. The Tigers desperately need a new face after Karim Benzema’s departure to Al-Hilal.
Al-Hilal finished the 2025/26 season unbeaten but ended runners‑up, two points behind Al-Nassr. They could pair Salah with Benzema in a terrifying offensive line-up. Meanwhile, Al-Nassr coach Jorge Jesus has reportedly approved a move that would unite Salah not only with Cristiano Ronaldo, but also former Liverpool teammate Sadio Mane. Al-Ahli also have the financial muscle to secure Salah.
The financial case is compelling. A 33‑year‑old leaving the Premier League on a free transfer commands a signing‑on fee and salary that only Saudi clubs can comfortably meet. Furthermore, his roots position him as a cultural ambassador, making him the ultimate prize for the PIF.
Yet, there is likely to be hesitation given the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. However, at 30/1 – a blanket bet covering all four PIF teams plus ambitious Al Qadsiah – the odds are generous. The move has been three years in the making.
MLS clubs also in line
Major League Soccer is Salah’s most likely destination across the Atlantic. The league has become a favoured retirement home for Premier League icons. Thierry Henry, David Beckham, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney. Liverpool legends Luis Suarez, Xherdan Shaqiri and Steven Gerrard have also chosen MLS as their final destination.
MLS commissioner Don Garber has been straightforward. “Obviously, if Salah ever decides to come to Major League Soccer, we’d welcome him with open arms,” he said. “I’d say he should reach out to Messi and Thomas Muller and see how happy they’ve been”.
The timing matters. The 2026 World Cup, co‑hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, has raised the league’s global profile. Salah would be a marquee attraction in the competition.
San Diego FC, owned by British‑Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Mansour, are a natural fit. Inter Miami could partner him with Lionel Messi. LAFC signed Son Heung‑min, while Antoine Griezmann has moved to Orlando City. Chicago Fire reportedly contacted Salah before his last Liverpool extension.
MLS clubs cannot match Saudi base salaries, but they can offer lifestyle, heightened marketing and investment opportunities. At 4/1, clubs from the USA are second favourites in the market and one of the most logical landing spots.
Back to Italy where he made a name for himself?
Should Salah decide he is not done with elite European football, a return to Italy makes the most sense. He spent three seasons, from 2015 to 2017, at Fiorentina and Roma, scoring 34 goals in 83 appearances. This spell was instrumental in elevating his stature into a world‑class talent.
Roma are priced at 6/1, his most likely destination in Europe. They have Champions League secured for next season, and there is genuine appeal in bringing their former hero back.
However, the financial hurdle is significant: Salah earns over €20m gross per season, while Roma operates a €4m net salary cap. A one‑year deal with a view to MLS or Saudi afterwards is realistic.
Juventus are also in the mix at 10/1. Luciano Spalletti is reportedly keen to add Salah’s experience to his squad. The Bianconeri have a history of iconic free transfers – Andrea Pirlo, Paul Pogba, Fabio Cannavaro and Emre Can, among others. However, the lack of Champions League football could be a deciding factor at the Allianz Stadium.
A return to Serie A is a romantic underdog story, although there are many barriers at play.
European royalty are longshots
Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Paris Saint‑Germain are all long‑shot destinations.
Bayern have been touted as his next destination, but club chief Max Eberl has already communicated that Salah is simply not on their radar. His presence in the starting XI ahead of Luis Díaz or Michael Olise on the wings is unrealistic. Moreover, the club are unlikely to match his wage demands.
PSG would appeal to him competitively, and for financial reasons. They can easily match his salary. He would be joining the reigning European champions. Yet, the Parisians are not known for signing veteran wingers. Furthermore, their attack already features the likes of game-changers Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue.
Real Madrid are perhaps the most intriguing longshot. Los Blancos haven’t had a genuine right‑wing superstar for years. Rodrygo prefers the left, and Franco Mastantuono is yet to convince. Linking up with Trent Alexander‑Arnold on the same flank again could be a selling point. However, at 33, his age works against him with Madrid’s recruitment model.
These options are priced long for a reason. Still, if Salah decides he wants one last shot at the Champions League, any of them could surprise.
Salah’s next move will define the final chapter of a legendary career. The finances say Saudi. The comfort indicates MLS. The fairytale points to Roma, while other European heavyweights are nothing less than one. The Egyptian King is not finished yet.