Enticing Salah Would Be a Coup for Saudi Pro League Searching for an Identity
Mohamed Salah scored an injury-time winner for Egypt against Zimbabwe in their Africa Cup of Nations opener in Morocco. The Saudi Pro League (SPL) is undergoing a transformation, shifting away from relying on aging veterans toward acquiring players in their prime or younger talents, such as Mateo Retegui, Darwin Núñez, Theo Hernández, Nathan Zezé, and Enzo Millot. High-profile signings like Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kanté, Sadio Mané, Riyad Mahrez, and Cristiano Ronaldo, now in his fourth season, exemplify the league's evolving approach to talent recruitment.
A potential move by Salah would be the biggest Arab-world signing in the SPL and could significantly redefine the league's identity and global appeal. Such a signing might position the SPL as a serious rival to the Premier League or as a leading global league with a strong Arab market and expanded reach into Africa and Asia.
The SPL's global broadcasting has expanded substantially, with 37 media rights deals covering more than 180 markets this season. The current season began in August, with nine league games played so far. International breaks and the Arab Cup have contributed to a longer mid-season pause before the league restarts.
Notably, seven Arab teams—with a possible eighth if Iraq wins their playoff—are set to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has stated that the Saudi Pro League is on track to become one of the world’s top three football leagues.
