Why Mohamed Salah May Choose Fenerbahçe Over Saudi Arabian Millions
Mohamed Salah's future appears set to remain in Europe, a preference that completely reshapes what many expected to be a straightforward departure to Saudi Arabia from Liverpool this summer.
Turkish media outlet A Spor reports that Fenerbahçe officials have already conducted two separate meetings with Salah's representatives, with club delegate Ertan Torunoğulları leading the negotiations. The Egyptian forward has apparently communicated wage demands of approximately £333,000 weekly — translating to about €20 million annually — which aligns with his current Liverpool compensation. A third discussion was planned following Fenerbahçe's recent derby clash with Galatasaray but was postponed due to internal club elections. Postponed, however, doesn't mean cancelled.
This development is significant because the prevailing narrative for months pointed toward Saudi Arabia. Al-Nassr, substantial financial backing, the Cristiano Ronaldo factor — it all seemed settled. Betfair currently lists the Saudi Pro League as the 8/11 betting favourite for his next destination. However, Salah's reported desire to continue playing at Europe's elite level dramatically alters that outlook.
What the Turkish Giants Bring to the Table
Istanbul represents far more than a retirement option. Fenerbahçe consistently participate in UEFA competitions, have recently signed established stars including Ederson, Leroy Sané and N'Golo Kanté, and benefit from one of the continent's most passionate supporter bases. If Salah genuinely prioritizes competitive football over maximizing earnings in Riyadh, the Turkish move makes considerable sense.
The club currently trails Galatasaray by seven points with three weeks remaining in the Süper Lig campaign — a title pursuit that looks increasingly difficult — making a marquee acquisition essential. Salah, at 33 years old and available on a free transfer, represents precisely that opportunity. Zero transfer fee, instant impact, worldwide recognition.
José Mourinho's departure in August 2025 following a Champions League qualification setback adds a layer of complexity. The incoming manager will need to approve a £333,000-per-week salary commitment — a substantial decision during managerial uncertainty.
Liverpool's Season Still Has Unfinished Business
Salah exited Liverpool's 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace on April 25 with a muscular problem, an emotional moment that resembled a premature farewell. The club has since announced he should return before the campaign concludes, with matches against Manchester United, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Brentford still on the schedule. The final Anfield fixture against Brentford on May 24 could serve as his proper home send-off.
His 2024-25 statistics: 12 goals and nine assists across 39 appearances. These aren't the numbers of a declining athlete. They belong to someone with unfinished ambitions, which may explain why Istanbul appeals more than Jeddah.
The Betting Landscape
- Saudi Pro League (Al-Nassr): 8/11 favourite
- Major League Soccer: 15/8
- AS Roma: 10/1
- Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Newcastle United: 11/1
- AC Milan, Real Madrid: 12/1
- Juventus: 14/1
- Bayern Munich: 22/1
- Tottenham Hotspur: 25/1
Notably, Fenerbahçe doesn't appear in current betting markets. Should negotiations advance, expect those odds to materialize quickly.
The Saudi Arabian financial proposition remains genuine and available. But according to reports, Salah's priority is continuing his European career — and Fenerbahçe are the club actively pursuing that possibility.