Mohamed Salah: Why Egyptian turned down ‘£500m Saudi move’ to stay at Liverpool

If it was, he’d have left Liverpool for the Saudi Pro League who, until as recently as last week, still believed they could attract Salah to the Middle East.

The financial lure of a move to Saudi Arabia was clear. The ‘homecoming’ of one of the greatest and recognisable Arab footballers – and the synergy, and earning power, or all parties was inescapable.

Indeed, sources have told BBC Sport that Salah was in line to earn at least £500m in Saudi – an eye-popping figure, although still short of the 1bn euros (£859m) Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr was reportedly offered.

It was said the option of exploring a Saudi move was first raised with Salah last February – and that door will likely remain open in the future.

But, right now, the forward has put sporting ambition ahead of his wallet.

Salah’s a player at the top of his game – those close to the frontman believe he has at least another three years at the highest level.

The evidence suggests as much. His physique is optimum and his levels of professionalism are obsessive.

Salah believes he still has more to accomplish in European football too, starting, of course, with winning Liverpool’s 20th league title this season.

He has ambitions on winning the Ballon d’Or too, with fifth his highest placing in both 2019 and 2022.

Salah also wants to win the Champions League again, and ensure Liverpool remain at the pinnacle of English football.

Interestingly, it is said another one of the key factors in his decision to re-sign was a desire to compete among the elite to help prepare for Egypt’s forthcoming World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations campaigns.

It’s the sporting challenge that has driven his decision for Salah, although the fact his wife Magi and daughters Makka and Kayan are enjoying life on Merseyside has also been described a key factor too.