Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Liverpool star Mohamed Salah's potential move to the Saudi Pro League has been cast into doubt by a surprising voice: a club chief within the league itself. Ben Harburg, chairman of Al-Kholood, has publicly stated that the Egyptian forward may not be the ideal fit for the burgeoning league, advocating for a shift in focus towards younger talent.

Harburg's comments, made at the World Football Summit in Riyadh, have stirred debate about the Saudi Pro League's recruitment strategy. While the league has attracted high-profile names like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar with lucrative contracts, Harburg suggests a more sustainable approach centered on developing younger players who represent the future of the league. He specifically pointed to Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. as an example of the type of player Saudi clubs should be targeting.

"There's a narrative around him that they asked him to come before and he rejected us," Harburg stated, alluding to previous attempts to sign Salah. He implied that Saudi clubs might be hesitant to pursue a player who had previously declined their advances, especially considering his recent dip in form.

Salah's future at Liverpool has become increasingly uncertain in recent weeks. Following a 3-3 draw with Leeds United, Salah expressed his frustration at being benched, suggesting he felt "thrown under the bus" by the club. These comments, coupled with his omission from the squad for Liverpool's Champions League win against Inter Milan, have fueled speculation about a potential move in the January transfer window.

Adding fuel to the fire, Saudi Pro League chief executive Omar Mugharbel confirmed the league's interest in Salah. "Mohamed Salah is welcome in the Saudi League, but it is the clubs that are responsible for negotiating with players," Mugharbel stated. "For sure, Salah is one of them [a target]".

Despite Mugharbel's welcoming stance, Harburg's reservations highlight a potential difference in opinion within the Saudi Pro League regarding Salah's suitability. Some may view him as a marquee signing who would bring significant attention and experience to the league, while others, like Harburg, may prioritize a long-term vision focused on nurturing younger stars.

Salah's recent form has also come under scrutiny. This season, he has recorded only eight goal contributions in 19 matches, a significant drop compared to his previous seasons. In 2023, Liverpool rejected a £150 million offer from Al-Ittihad for Salah, underscoring his value to the club at the time.

The situation is further complicated by Salah's impending participation in the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt. His absence could impact Liverpool's performance during a crucial period of the season, potentially influencing the club's willingness to consider offers for him in January.

As the January transfer window approaches, Salah's future remains uncertain. While the Saudi Pro League undoubtedly has the financial resources to make a compelling offer, Harburg's comments suggest that a move is not a foregone conclusion. Whether Salah prioritizes a lucrative contract in Saudi Arabia or remains in Europe to compete at the highest level remains to be seen.