Atletico Madrid are reportedly preparing an ambitious move to sign Mohamed Salah on a free transfer after the Egyptian winger decided against extending his stay with Liverpool F.C.
The 33-year-old is expected to leave Anfield at the end of the season, a development that has alerted several leading European clubs as they monitor one of football’s most accomplished attacking players.
According to reports, Atletico are among the clubs most interested in securing Salah’s signature and are hopeful of convincing him to move to Spain without the need for a transfer fee.
Salah’s impending departure would bring an end to a significant period with Liverpool, where he has established himself as one of the club’s key attacking figures. Despite advancing into the latter stages of his career, the Egypt international continues to be viewed as a decisive player capable of influencing matches with his speed, movement and attacking quality.
During the current campaign, Salah has made 40 appearances in all competitions, scoring 12 goals and providing nine assists.
Atlético’s interest is understood to centre on the possibility of adding an experienced and proven forward to lead their attack next season. The Spanish club believe the opportunity to play a central role in their frontline could prove attractive as Salah weighs up his next move.
A report shared by journalist Sayed Nabawy suggested there has not yet been official contact between Atletico Madrid and Salah regarding a summer transfer.
The report stated: “There has been no official contact between Atlético de Madrid and Mohamed Salah over a potential move this summer. The club believes he would be an excellent signing, but the main obstacles remain Salah’s own desire and his high salary.”
Salah’s financial demands are expected to be one of the biggest challenges facing any club hoping to complete a deal. The winger currently earns more than €20.8m annually in England, and any prospective move would likely require significant negotiations over wages.
The former AS Roma player is valued at €30m by Transfermarkt, despite being available without a transfer fee at the conclusion of his Liverpool contract.
His future is now expected to become one of the major stories of the summer transfer window, with uncertainty surrounding both his next destination and the financial package required to secure his services.
For Atlético Madrid, the possibility of signing a player of Salah’s pedigree without paying a transfer fee represents an opportunity they appear eager to explore. However, much may depend on the player’s personal preference and whether the Spanish side can meet the financial expectations attached to one of the modern era’s most recognisable forwards.
As the season draws to a close, attention is increasingly turning towards Salah’s next chapter and whether his long spell in English football will be followed by a move to La Liga.
