🔗 Share this article

Although the Liverpool forward recently made a late impact at the Africa Cup of Nations, his potential future move to the Gulf kingdom might hold more profound implications. The Saudi Pro League (SPL), after moving away from aging veterans, is now tempted by the idea of acquiring a regional legend who remains at the height of his powers.

Beyond the "Sunset Destination" Tag

Despite the undeniable success of marquee signings like Cristiano Ronaldo and the French striker, those in charge are determined to shake off the perception of being a final payday stop for players in decline. The pursuit of Mohamed Salah indicates a different ambition, heightened by his special position as the biggest sports icon in the Arab world.

This strategic shift aligns with a wider goal within the league to establish an lasting legacy on the global scene. Does it seek to rival established powers the Premier League, or maybe secure the spot of the number two competition? Now that the initial wave of excitement has faded, charting a sustainable path is paramount.

Heeding Past Experiments

The example of the Chinese Super League's short-lived boom a decade ago offers a cautionary tale. Signing star players like Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba generated buzz but did not build a lasting foundation, with many stars returning to Europe quickly.

However, the SPL experiment has seen the majority of its star imports stay put. Figures such as Benzema, Kanté, Mané, and Riyad Mahrez are now in their third year, with Ronaldo spearheading the initiative into a fourth season. While contract timelines and age are a factor, their ongoing commitment provides a degree of continuity.

Evolving Recruitment Policy

There has been a noticeable pivot in recruitment. Clubs are now more targeting players in their prime like Retegui, Núñez, and Hernández, alongside younger talents such as Nathan Zézé and Millot. Nurturing and potentially selling these assets for profit forms a sensible business model.

• Becoming a viable option to European leagues for global talent is an unique achievement.
• While not the most glamorous goal, it is a role no other competition has successfully filled.

The Salah Factor

Landing Mohamed Salah would provide a tremendous lift. His signing would elevate the SPL's profile in the region to unprecedented heights. The presence of figures such as Riyad Mahrez and Bounou, coupled with the passionate displays at the recent Arab Cup, highlight the region's deep passion and player pool.

Expanding its reach across Africa and Asia is a obvious strategic move. Acquiring a player from Indonesia or finding the breakout Chinese global star could tap into enormous commercial opportunities.

Navigating Structural Challenges

Sustaining global viewership has proven a major test. This season has been especially disjointed, with long pauses for international windows and tournaments hindering the domestic schedule.

International TV partners have expressed increasing difficulty in cultivating a consistent viewership for a product that appears in irregular bursts. An insider noted that the erratic rhythm of the fixture list makes it challenging to compete for eyeballs in a saturated media landscape.

If the SPL to realize its world-class ambitions, planners must strike a better equilibrium so the domestic competition does not consistently play second fiddle to the national team. Failing that, aspirations of joining a world elite will be just that.

A Symbolic Signing

While Mohamed Salah would add instant glamour, his true value lies in his symbolic importance as a peak-performing Arab legend. Any potential move hinges on multiple factors: his desire to leave Liverpool, Liverpool's readiness to part ways, and his own choice in a move to the Gulf.

Should it happen, it would be seen less as the signing of an aging Premier League star and more as the historic capture of the region's premier sporting hero.