Benzema - Ronaldo controversy paves way for £25m Mo Salah Saudi Arabia deal

Karim Benzema completed his controversial move from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal earlier this week.

The 38-year-old Frenchman was unable to come to terms on a new contract with PIF-controlled Ittihad - moving to Hilal in a transfer that has caused chaos in Saudi Arabia.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the Al-Nassr icon, reportedly refused to play in his side’s SPL game on Monday in protest at the Benzema deal being allowed to go through - while his own side suffer from a relative lack of investment.

Kingsley Coman and Joao Felix were added by Nasser last summer at considerable expense but Ronaldo was unhappy with PIF’s decision to strengthen title rivals Hilal in January.

It remains to be seen what the outcome could be - with Ronaldo contracted until 2027 on a reported £400k + a DAY.

Benzema meanwhile was said to be insulted by Al-Ittihad’s extension offer - and decided to move on an 18-month deal to Hilal.

The Ballon d’Or legend was reportedly making around £1m a week at Al-Ittihad and of course his departure leaves a huge gap in the club’s budget.

Al-Ittihad to contract Salah

And a report in WinWin now suggests that PIF have got a plan to put Mohamed Salah there next summer.

“Bringing Salah to the Roshan League next season has been the top priority for the recruitment committee officials for some time now, given his technical and marketing value, especially after his difficult period with Liverpool a few weeks ago,” the report reads.

“The officials are closely monitoring the player's situation with the English club in preparation for contacting him in the coming weeks."

Valuing the Egyptian King at around £25m, the report states that no contact has yet taken place between Salah and league officials.

Furthermore it is not expected to be a done deal straight away - with Salah said to be waiting for a decision to be taken over Arne Slot’s future.

Last chance to sell Salah

“There has been no contact so far between the Roshan League officials and Mohamed Salah, but they see an opportunity to convince him to move to Saudi Arabia next summer, in addition to the opportunity to convince Liverpool that the next transfer window will be their last chance to get money from selling the “Egyptian King’s” contract,” the report reads.

The forward is under contract at Anfield until 2027 but the recent fallout with his head coach could bring forward a move away.

Salah is raking in around £400k per week and it’s fair to say he’s been beneath his best this season.

Richard Hughes therefore could be about to sanction a summer deal which would see Salah move to the Middle East as league figures contemplate their next major signing.

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