Former Liverpool defender Jon Arne Riise has expressed his astonishment over Mohamed Salah's potential departure from Liverpool, raising concerns about the club's efforts to retain their star player. With Salah's contract expiring in the summer of 2025, speculation about his future has intensified, particularly with clubs from Saudi Arabia reportedly ready to offer lucrative contracts. Riise remarked, "I'm not sure how much they have done behind the scenes, perhaps trying to negotiate with his agent. It’s really hard to understand what has happened. It’s a shame... If he leaves Liverpool, I'm almost certain he will head to Saudi Arabia," as reported by AS.
Salah's previous tenure with Chelsea and his successful career at Liverpool have made the prospect of moving to Saudi Arabia intriguing. It’s evident the Saudi clubs, having shown interest last summer, are prepared to make significant financial investments to secure his services. The situation surrounding Salah exemplifies the growing trend of high-profile players entering the Saudi Pro League, which has become increasingly competitive.
On another front, Al-Nassr continues to draw attention with their strategies during the transfer window. The club is reportedly eyeing Real Madrid star Federico Valverde as part of their ambitions to capture the Saudi Pro League title. According to Mundo Deportivo, Al-Nassr has turned its focus to the Uruguayan international after unsuccessful attempts to secure Vinicius Junior. Valverde is under contract until the summer of 2029, and his potential move could significantly impact the dynamics of the league, as he is considered one of the top midfielders globally.
Al-Nassr has had mixed performances this season, currently sitting third, eight points behind leaders Al-Ittihad. The team hopes to build on its recent successes and compete fiercely for the top positions. The addition of talented players like Valverde, or even Premier League stars like Kevin De Bruyne and Bruno Fernandes, would undeniably fortify their prospects.
Cristiano Ronaldo remains the focal point of Al-Nassr’s attack. He made history last season as he broke the record for most goals scored—35—during the Saudi Pro League season. The 2024/25 season has seen him continue his prolific form, currently leading the scoring chart with 17 goals, followed closely by his former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema, who has 16 goals this season. Ronaldo's remarkable achievements have not only drawn attention to his capabilities but also highlighted the increasing competitiveness of the league.
Interestingly, Ronaldo's move to Al-Nassr has triggered broader interest from various quarters, attracting seasoned players to the league. The magnitude of lucrative contracts offered by Saudi clubs presents new opportunities for players who might have otherwise remained committed to their European clubs.
Al-Nassr's upcoming fixture against Al Orubah presents yet another chance for the team to strengthen their league position. After their commendable 2-0 victory against Al Wahda, Ronaldo's opening goal and his involvement in securing the penalty for Sadio Mane proves pivotal as Al-Nassr aims to secure their place among the region's elite.
Meanwhile, facing Al Orubah, who are fighting to avoid the relegation zone, Al-Nassr looks to capitalize on their historical dominance over their opponents. The Riyadh side has never lost to Al Orubah, holding six wins from their last six encounters and scoring 12 goals to just 3 against them. If they maintain this form, they are expected to solidify their top-three positioning, which is imperative for securing entry to next season’s AFC Champions League.
The Saudi Pro League is witnessing its stars shine not only from within but also through the potential of attracting elite talents from Europe. The influx of globally renowned footballers signifies the league's ambition to broaden its reach and competitiveness on the world stage, adding richness to its footballing heritage.