Diriyah join race to sign free agent Mohamed Salah after Liverpool exit

Newly promoted Saudi Pro League side Diriyah have entered the chase to sign former Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, according to reports in Turkey.

The Egypt international left Liverpool at the end of last season after nine years at Anfield and is currently a free agent, with his future yet to be resolved.

Salah, 32, has been heavily linked with several Saudi Pro League clubs, including Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, Al Nassr, Al Ahli and Al Qadsiah, following his departure from the Premier League club.

However, Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu has claimed that Diriyah, who have just been promoted from the second tier, are now also monitoring the situation as they look to make a high-profile signing ahead of the new campaign.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Sabuncuoglu said Diriyah and another unnamed Saudi Pro League club are closely following developments around Salah, with a view to stepping in if his proposed move to Besiktas collapses.

Besiktas talks stall despite advanced stage

Salah has held advanced negotiations with Besiktas over a move to the Turkish Super Lig, but Sabuncuoglu reported that discussions have recently stalled.

The talks are understood to have been disrupted by disagreements over certain contractual clauses, particularly those involving Salah’s agent Ramy Abbas.

Despite the latest setback, Sabuncuoglu stressed that Besiktas still remain in pole position to secure Salah’s signature, largely because they have put forward the most lucrative financial package on the table so far.

The journalist added that, in addition to interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey, two clubs from Major League Soccer in the United States have also opened talks over a possible deal for the forward.

Diriyah seek statement signing after promotion

Diriyah’s move to track Salah comes as the club prepare for their first season in the Saudi Pro League after winning promotion from the First Division, known as the Yellow League.

The Riyadh-based side, who have never previously competed at this level, are looking to strengthen significantly in the summer window and see Salah as a potential marquee recruit capable of raising their profile domestically and internationally.

No details have yet emerged of any formal offer from Diriyah, and their interest is currently described as contingent on the outcome of Salah’s discussions with Besiktas.

Salah’s record after nine-year Liverpool spell

Salah left Liverpool at the end of his contract following a hugely successful spell under Jurgen Klopp, during which he became one of the club’s most prolific and decorated players of the modern era.

During his time at Anfield, the forward amassed a collection of major honours, most notably the Premier League title twice, the Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.

He also collected numerous individual awards across his Liverpool career, while establishing himself as one of the leading forwards in European football.

With his next move still undecided and interest emerging from Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the United States, Salah’s future remains one of the most closely watched stories of the current summer transfer window.