Inside Mohamed Salah's Contract Scandal: Saudi Interest, Legal Concerns, and a Convenient Deal

## **Introduction**

Over the past two years, one of the most talked-about topics in football has been what will happen to Mohamed Salah at Liverpool. The Egyptian superstar, whose contributions to the club's success under Jürgen Klopp were crucial, had to sign a contract extension in 2022 despite the uncertainty. However, the negotiations were far from smooth—legal disputes, Saudi Pro League interest, and financial complexities all played a part in the saga.

This article delves deeply into the drama that took place behind the scenes with Salah's contract renewal. It examines the primary obstacles, the looming threat posed by Saudi Arabia's lucrative offers, and Liverpool's arrangement of a deal that satisfied all parties. ---

## **1. Why Salah's extension took so long: the deadlock** ### **A. Wage Demands and Liverpool’s Pay Structure**

At first, Salah's representatives proposed a weekly salary of **£400,000**, which would have decimated Liverpool's wage structure. Because it could result in demands from other stars like Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, the club, which is known for its financial discipline, was reluctant to alter its pay scale. ### **B. Ramy Abbas Issa's Tough Negotiations: The Lawyer's Role** Salah’s agent, **Ramy Abbas Issa**, played a pivotal role in the negotiations. Issa reportedly had disagreements with Liverpool's hierarchy regarding contract length, image rights, and performance-based bonuses. Issa is well-known for his fierce advocacy for his clients. According to people who were close to the talks, there were times when a deal seemed impossible. ### **C. The Klopp Effect** Jürgen Klopp was a key figure in keeping Salah at Anfield. The German manager publicly praised Salah’s importance to the team and privately urged FSG (Fenway Sports Group) to find a compromise. Klopp’s influence helped bridge the gap between the player’s demands and the club’s financial limits.

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## **2. The Saudi Threat: How Close Was Salah to Leaving? **

### **A. Saudi Arabia’s Mega-Money Approach**

Even before Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr, Saudi clubs had identified Salah as their **top target**. In 2023, it was reported that a **£200 million** offer was being made, with weekly wages exceeding **£1 million**. While Liverpool dismissed these rumors, the financial power of the Saudi Pro League made it a genuine threat.

### **B. Why Salah Remains (Currently)** Despite the astronomical figures on the table, Salah’s commitment to Liverpool and his desire to compete at the highest level played a major role in his decision. In addition, a structured new contract and Liverpool's refusal to sell in 2023 convinced him to stay. However, Saudi interest hasn't gone away, and a move in the future is still possible. ---

## **3. The Breakthrough: How Liverpool and Salah Reached an Agreement**

### **A. The Compromise: Performance-Based Bonuses**

Instead of a flat £400,000-a-week salary, Liverpool and Salah’s camp agreed on a **base wage of around £350,000**, with **lucrative bonuses** tied to goals, assists, and trophies. This enabled the club to reward Salah for his contributions while maintaining its financial flexibility. ### **B. Deals for the Commercial Use of Images** A significant part of the agreement involved Salah’s **image rights**. Given his global marketability (especially in the Middle East and Africa), Liverpool allowed him greater control over endorsements, ensuring he maximized his off-field earnings.

### **C. The Contract Length: A Short-Term Commitment**

Unlike Virgil van Dijk’s long-term extension, Salah’s deal runs until **2025**, with an option for an additional year. This gives both sides flexibility—Liverpool avoids being stuck with an aging star on huge wages, while Salah keeps his options open for a potential Saudi move later.

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## **4. What This Means for the Future of Liverpool** ### **A. Salah’s Legacy and the Post-Klopp Era**

Salah's role becomes even more important when Klopp leaves in 2024. His performances will determine whether Liverpool remains a Premier League and Champions League contender. He is now the "face of the transition." ### **B. The Saudi Question: Will He Leave in 2025? **

If Saudi clubs return with another **£200m+ bid** in 2025, Liverpool may find it hard to reject, especially if Salah is nearing the end of his peak years. Whether the Egyptian is pursuing a final megapayday or more European glory, the next move could define his career. ### **C. The balancing act of FSG: Can They Take Salah's Place? **

Liverpool’s owners must prepare for life after Salah. Although players such as "Luis Diaz," "Darwin Nez," and "Cody Gakpo" all have potential, none of them have the consistency of Salah yet. The club’s ability to find a successor—either through the transfer market or academy—will be critical.

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## **5. Conclusion: A Deal That Works (For Now)**

Mohamed Salah’s contract saga was a high-stakes battle involving lawyers, Saudi billions, and Liverpool’s long-term planning. In the end, the compromise reached in 2022 kept him at Anfield—but the story is far from over.

With Saudi interest lingering and his contract winding down, the next chapter of Salah’s career promises more drama. For now, Liverpool fans can enjoy having their Egyptian King lead the charge—but the clock is ticking.

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