🔗 Share this article

While the Liverpool forward recently made a late impact at the Afcon tournament, his potential future move to Saudi Arabia could carry more profound implications. The Gulf football project, which has been moving away from big-name veterans, is now intrigued with the prospect of acquiring a global icon who is still at the peak of his abilities.

Moving Past the "Retirement League" Label

Even with the clear impact of marquee signings like Cristiano Ronaldo and the French striker, those in charge are determined to avoid the reputation of being a sun-drenched retirement stop for fading stars. The interest of Mohamed Salah indicates a new strategy, heightened by his unique status as the biggest sports icon in the Middle East.

This strategic shift aligns with a broader desire within the SPL to establish an lasting legacy on the world stage. Is the aim to compete with leagues like the English top flight, or perhaps secure the spot of the number two league? With the first surge of excitement has faded, charting a sustainable path is paramount.

Learning from Past Experiments

The experience of China's brief spending spree a decade ago offers a sobering lesson. Signing star players like Anelka and Didier Drogba created headlines but did not establish a sustainable model, with those stars heading back to Europe swiftly.

In contrast, the SPL experiment has seen the majority of its star imports stay put. Figures such as Benzema, N'Golo Kanté, Mané, and Riyad Mahrez are now in their third seasons, with Cristiano Ronaldo spearheading the project into a fourth. Although deal expiries and age are a factor, their continued presence provides a degree of continuity.

A Shift in Transfer Strategy

There has been a clear move in recruitment. Teams are now more targeting established stars like Retegui, Darwin Núñez, and Theo Hernández, coupled with younger talents such as Nathan Zézé and Enzo Millot. Developing and potentially selling these players for a gain forms a prudent business model.

• Becoming a viable option to European leagues for young players worldwide is an unprecedented feat.
• While not the most glamorous goal, it is a role no other competition has successfully filled.

The Salah Factor

Securing Mohamed Salah would provide a massive boost. His signing would elevate the league's profile in the Arab world to unprecedented heights. The presence of players like Mahrez and Yassine Bounou, coupled with the passionate displays at the recent Arab Cup, highlight the area's football fervor and abundant talent.

Growing its reach across Africa and Asia is a logical next step. Signing a talent from Southeast Asia or finding the first Indian global star could tap into enormous fan and commercial potential.

Overcoming Scheduling Hurdles

Maintaining global viewership has proven a significant challenge. The current campaign has been especially disjointed, with long pauses for international windows and the Arab Cup hindering the league calendar.

International TV partners have expressed growing frustration in building a loyal audience for a league that appears in irregular bursts. One source suggested that the erratic rhythm of the fixture list makes it challenging to compete for attention in a crowded sports market.

If the SPL to achieve its world-class ambitions, officials will need to find a balance so the domestic competition does not consistently play a back seat to the Saudi national side. Otherwise, talk of joining a world elite will be just that.

A Symbolic Signing

While Mohamed Salah would add instant glamour, his true value stems from his symbolic importance as a still-dominant iconic figure. A prospective transfer depends on multiple factors: whether he wants to depart Anfield, Liverpool's readiness to sell, and his personal interest in a move to the Gulf.

If a deal is struck, it would be seen less as the signing of an veteran from England and more as the landmark signing of the region's premier footballing son.