Ex-Liverpool sporting director Jorg Schmadtke has admitted that it is "entirely possible" that Mohamed Salah will join the Saudi Pro League next summer.
The Egypt international faces an uncertain future at Anfield, having entered the final 12 months of his Liverpool contract.
Salah continues to be linked with a potential move to the Saudi Pro League after being the subject of a rejected £150m bid from Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023.
As it stands, the 32-year-old will be able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs from the start of 2025.
A recent report claimed that Salah is willing to sign a new deal with Liverpool as long as he receives the contract length that he desires.
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Schmadtke makes Salah admission
Schmadtke was the club's sporting director when Al-Ittihad attempted to sign Salah, and the ex-Liverpool chief has now admitted that the Egyptian could be tempted by a move to the Saudi Pro League.
"I don't know, but it is entirely possible that this will happen," Schmadtke told Al-Eqtisadiah. "The Saudi League is developing every year, due to more money being invested in the competition."
The 60-year-old left his role as Liverpool's interim sporting director earlier this year, but he also conceded that he would be open to working in the Saudi Pro League if he received a suitable proposal.
Schmadtke added: "The Saudi League deals have affected the work of some European clubs, but the matter does not rise to the level of harm, and I welcome working in it if I receive a good offer."
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What about Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold?
Liverpool may be at risk of losing Salah on a free transfer, but he is not the only player who could walk away for nothing at the end of the season.
Captain Virgil van Dijk and right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold have also entered the final 12 months of their respective deals.
Speaking ahead of Saturday's clash with Brighton & Hove Albion, Liverpool boss Arne Slot revealed that the club are currently in talks with Van Dijk over a potential new contract.
As for Alexander-Arnold, he is believed to be a top target for European champions Real Madrid, while he has also attracted interest from Paris Saint-Germain.
