Liverpool’s Egyptian King, Mohamed Salah, has finally put an end to months of speculation by signing a two-year contract extension, keeping him at Anfield until 2027. The 32-year-old forward, who faced relentless rumors of a mega-money move to Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, and Al-Ahli, opted to recommit to the Reds despite jaw-dropping offers.
European heavyweights like Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain also lurked, but Salah’s loyalty to Liverpool seemed unshakable—until a bombshell revelation exposed a near-move that would’ve stunned the football world.
Mohamed Salah’s secret agenda
While Salah’s renewal with Liverpool dominated headlines, reports now reveal the superstar and his camp quietly explored a sensational return to Chelsea—the club where his Premier League journey began.
According to The Athletic, Salah’s representatives held “intrigue” about a Stamford Bridge reunion, driven by the forward’s desire to prove himself in a Chelsea shirt after a forgettable first stint (2014–2016). Despite scoring just two goals in 19 appearances during his initial spell, Salah allegedly “felt he had unfinished business” with the Blues.
The financial incentives of Saudi Arabia—including an offer to make him the second-highest-paid player globally—were tempting, but agent Ramy Abbas Issa pushed for a Premier League stay to protect Mohamed Salah’s lucrative sponsorship deals.
However, the Egyptian ruled out moves to Manchester City or Manchester United due to rivalry tensions, leaving Chelsea as the only plausible domestic option.
Why Chelsea made sense—and why it fell through
Salah’s camp reportedly viewed Chelsea’s project under Todd Boehly as a wildcard opportunity. The Blues’ previous interest in aging stars like Cristiano Ronaldo hinted at flexibility in their youth-focused model, and Salah’s free agency in 2025 offered a low-risk, high-reward scenario.
Yet, logistical hurdles loomed: Premier League rules barred formal talks until May 2025, and Chelsea’s long-term vision under Mauricio Pochettino prioritized emerging talents over 30-something icons.
For Liverpool, the close call was a wake-up call. Mohamed Salah’s cryptic comments earlier this year—calling 2024/25 his “last season” at Anfield—forced the club to accelerate negotiations, ultimately securing his future with a deal that balances financial pragmatism and legacy respect.
Salah’s Legacy play: Why Liverpool won out
Salah’s decision underscores his ambition to cement his legend at Liverpool. With 212 goals and 10 trophies (including a Premier League and Champions League), he’s chasing Ian Rush’s all-time scoring record (346 goals) and another European crown. The contract also includes performance-based incentives tied to goals, assists, and trophies, aligning his success with the club’s.
While Saudi interest will resurface in 2027, Mohamed Salah’s immediate focus is clear: propel Liverpool back to title contention and silence doubters who questioned his loyalty. As for Chelsea, the “what if?” lingers—but for now, the Egyptian King’s throne remains firmly at Anfield.
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