Mohammed Salah 'Not a Fit' for Saudi League, Says Al Kholood Chairman
Mohamed Salah's struggles and potential Saudi move spark debate, with Al-Kholood chairman expressing doubts about his fit in the league.
“There's a narrative around him that they asked him to come before, and he rejected us...”
Al-Kholood chairman Ben Harburg believes Liverpool's Mohamed Salah isn't a good fit for the Saudi Pro League, suggesting clubs should target younger players like Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr instead. Harburg stated, “I'm sure some people like his star power, he's from the region, but my sentiment is that he is not a fit for our league. If it were between him and Vinicius, I'd take Vinicius.”
Salah's future at Anfield is uncertain after he publicly criticized Liverpool, saying they threw him “under the bus” when he was benched by manager Arne Slot. The Egyptian forward has only scored five goals and recorded three assists this season, contributing to Liverpool's struggles, currently sitting 10th in the Premier League standings.
Mohamed Salah was dropped from Liverpool's squad for their Champions League match against Inter Milan, sparking rumors of a possible transfer to the Saudi Pro League. The 33-year-old has been a target for Saudi clubs before, with Liverpool rejecting a £150 million offer in 2023.
Al-Kholood chairman Ben Harburg believes Saudi clubs should be cautious about approaching Salah again, citing his previous rejection of their advances. Harburg thinks the Egyptian might not be the best fit for the Saudi Pro League, suggesting they target younger players like Vinicius Jr instead.
— Mohamed Salah (@MoSalah) December 9, 2025
Salah's Poor Form Sparks Concerns
“There's a narrative around him that they asked him to come before, and he rejected us. These are not people that like to be spurned and are going to come back around the second time,” Harburg said at the World Football Summit in Riyadh.
“So I do think that there's already, even amongst the public, much more apprehension around his coming into the league. He's 33 years old, he got paid a boatload (at Liverpool)... and has underperformed massively since then.”
Mohamed Salah, the Premier League's top scorer last season, has been struggling this campaign with only five goals and three assists in all competitions. His poor form has contributed to Liverpool's disappointing season, with the champions currently languishing in 10th place in the standings.
'Sign Vini'
“I'm sure some people like his star power, he's from the region, but my sentiment is that he is not a fit for our league. If it were between him and Vinicius, I'd take Vinicius,” Harburg added.
“I think Vinicius should come here and thrive.
“I actually think it might end up being a better environment for someone like him. But I'm hoping we go after those 25-year-old next wave players rather than guys like Salah, who definitely this would be the last stop of his career.”
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