Salah's Next Club? Benzema's Exit Could Factor Into Liverpool Star's Future

Mohamed Salah has reportedly emerged as Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad's number one priority to replace Karim Benzema. The Egyptian has long been a target for Saudi Arabian clubs and has endured a disappointing campaign so far, hitting out at Liverpool in December before jetting off to the Africa Cup of Nations. The 33-year-old signed a new contract with the Reds last April but his future is up in the air having only scored six club goals this season.

Fans of the Saudi Pro League were in shock on Monday when it was revealed that Benzema would leave Al-Ittihad for Al-Hilal. The former Real Madrid striker had been with the Jeddah-based side since 2023, helping them win the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League title, but their defence has gone horribly so far, sitting down in sixth with only 34 points from 19 games.

His new team, who like Al-Ittihad are also owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), are in a much better position. Al-Hilal sit in first, a point ahead of Al-Nassr, and the addition of Benzema to a team that already includes Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Malcom, Darwin Nunez and Theo Hernandez is a major boost for head coach Simone Inzaghi.

Al-Ittihad will need a new talisman following Benzema's exit and Salah has long been mooted for a move to the Middle East. Now, steps are reportedly being put in place for that to become a reality.

According to winwin, Salah's situation is now being "closely monitored" with Al-Ittihad searching for a new superstar. Their need to find that player is even more pressing given winger Moussa Diaby is apparently keen to leave the club in the summer.

The Saudi Arabian transfer window is now shut, meaning their clubs cannot sign any more players, but Al-Ittihad's interest may well develop into a