Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah has reportedly emerged as the top target for Saudi Pro League officials, who are said to be prepared to break the bank to secure his services.
The 32-year-old forward has been in scintillating form this season, racking up 12 goals and 10 assists in just 19 appearances.
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However, speculation over his future has intensified after Salah revealed he has yet to receive a contract extension offer from the Premier League leaders.
Speaking after Liverpool's dramatic 3-2 victory over Southampton, Salah dropped a bombshell by admitting he feels "more out than in" at the club as his current deal enters its final months.
This uncertainty has reportedly alerted several footballing giants, with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Saudi Arabia's top clubs among those linked with the Egyptian star.
According to The Daily Mail, the Saudi Pro League has made Salah their "dream signing" and is willing to offer him a deal that could exceed Ronaldo's supposed £177 million (around R4 billion annual salary at Al Nassr.
Given the player's status as a beloved figure in the Arab world, it is believed that the league's hierarchy view his potential move to the Middle East as a game-changing acquisition.
Reports suggest that even at such a staggering wage, it would make "financial sense" due to the commercial and global appeal the Egyptian would bring.
While Saudi officials are gearing up for an audacious bid, Barcelona are also reportedly exploring the possibility of bringing Salah to the Camp Nou.
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However, the Catalan club's ongoing financial struggles are said to pose a significant hurdle in matching the lucrative offers from Saudi.