Why Mohamed Salah is Targeting Fenerbahçe Instead of Saudi Arabia's Massive Payday

Mohamed Salah's future appears increasingly tied to Europe rather than the Middle East. This preference fundamentally reshapes what many assumed would be a clear-cut departure to Saudi Arabia following his Liverpool tenure.

Turkish media outlet A Spor reports that Fenerbahçe officials have already conducted two separate discussions with Salah's representatives, with club liaison Ertan Torunoğulları playing a key role in negotiations. The Egyptian forward has allegedly requested wages in the neighbourhood of £333,000 weekly — approximately €20 million annually — mirroring his current Liverpool compensation. A third negotiating session was planned following Fenerbahçe's derby clash with Galatasaray but has been temporarily shelved due to internal club elections. Postponed, not cancelled.

This development carries weight because the prevailing narrative for months pointed squarely toward Saudi Arabia. Al-Nassr, substantial financial backing, the Cristiano Ronaldo factor — it seemed inevitable. Betfair still lists the Saudi Pro League at 8/11 odds for securing his services. However, Salah's apparent desire to continue competing in Europe dramatically alters the landscape surrounding those betting lines.

Fenerbahçe's legitimate proposition

Istanbul shouldn't be viewed as a career wind-down destination. Fenerbahçe maintains regular participation in UEFA tournaments, recently brought in talents like Ederson, Leroy Sané and N'Golo Kanté, and performs before one of European football's most passionate supporter bases. Should Salah genuinely prioritize continued elite competition over maximizing earnings in Riyadh, the Turkish option makes considerable sense.

The club currently trails Galatasaray by seven points with just three weeks remaining in the Süper Lig campaign — a title race appearing beyond reach — which creates urgency for a marquee acquisition. Salah, at 33 years old and available on a free transfer, represents precisely that caliber of signing. Zero transfer fee, instant impact, worldwide recognition.

José Mourinho's departure in August 2025 following Champions League qualification disappointment adds a layer of complexity. The incoming manager will need to approve a £333,000-per-week financial commitment. That represents a significant decision during a managerial changeover.

Liverpool farewell not yet complete

Salah exited the April 25 victory over Crystal Palace (3-1) with a muscular concern, an emotional moment that resembled an untimely farewell. Liverpool management has since indicated he should return before season's end, with matches against Manchester United, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Brentford still on the calendar. The final Anfield fixture versus Brentford on May 24 could potentially serve as his proper home send-off.

His 2024-25 campaign statistics: 12 goals and nine assists across 39 matches. These aren't numbers suggesting decline. They indicate a footballer who retains ambition and quality, which may explain his consideration of Istanbul over Jeddah.

  • Saudi Pro League (Al-Nassr): 8/11 favourite
  • MLS: 15/8
  • AS Roma: 10/1
  • Barcelona, PSG, Newcastle: 11/1
  • AC Milan, Real Madrid: 12/1
  • Juventus: 14/1
  • Bayern Munich: 22/1
  • Tottenham: 25/1

Notably, Fenerbahçe doesn't appear in current betting markets. Should negotiations advance, expect those odds to materialize quickly.

Saudi Arabia's financial muscle remains genuine and persistent. Yet according to emerging reports, Salah's preference leans toward remaining in Europe — and Fenerbahçe represents the club actively pursuing serious discussions.