£34 million demand stalls Mo Salah’s Al‑Ittihad exit

Egyptian forward Mo Salah, the 34‑year‑old “Egyptian King”, has told Saudi side Al‑Ittihad he will only stay if the club matches his £34 million‑a‑year demand, a figure that would end his existing £400,000‑per‑week contract a year early and terminate the agreement signed in 2025 that runs until 2027.

The early exit follows a fallout with Al‑Ittihad chiefs, including head coach Arne Slot, who reportedly clashed with the player. The dispute prompted Salah to pursue a divorce from the club ahead of schedule.

Al‑Ittihad had already tabled a £21 million‑per‑year offer, positioning the Saudi side ahead of Turkish rivals. The Ittihad board remains keen to sign the forward but says they will not exceed €25 million, even with bonuses. Al officials remain optimistic about reaching an agreement.

Besiktas of Istanbul once seemed close to signing the Egyptian King, drafting a contract worth around €20 million per annum plus bonuses before the deal collapsed over what was described as excessive demands from agent Ramy Abbas. Trabzonspor, who finished third in the Super Lig, have opened talks, offering €17 million a year plus a 20‑25 percent share of shirt sales.

Salah has been without a club since the end of June, despite a flood of rumors linking him with new teams, and remains a free agent as negotiations continue. His representative now demands €40 million (£34 million) a year plus commission, using Sadio Mane’s Al‑Nassr deal as a benchmark.

If Al‑Ittihad meets the €40 million demand, the club would secure a marquee signing but at a steep financial cost; if not, the Egyptian King may move to Turkey or another league, leaving the Saudi side without their coveted target. Team Salah’s next destination will shape the summer market and could affect Egypt’s national team plans.