Saudi Pro League, the US or Europe - what are Salah's options?

So what might the options be in the Saudi Pro League (SPL)? The 'big four' of Al-Ahli, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr, who are owned by the country's Public Investment Fund (PIF), know the impact Salah could have on the league as a global product. Away from these clubs, Al-Qadsiah, who are managed by former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, are backed by Aramco, Saudi's oil company, and may well be interested.

With Salah now able to move for a free, that interest will certainly not dwindle and at 33, the SPL will be licking its lips at the prospect of having Salah and Cristiano Ronaldo at the same. But can the league afford him? "Without a doubt," says football finance expert Kieran Maguire.

"They're paying Cristiano Ronaldo £170m a year. Salah's currently on £20m a year so finances won't be an issue. "The key thing is whether Salah thinks it's the right decision and, of course, you have to take into account the current situation with the conflict in the Middle East.

"Things might have calmed down by the summer but that will be a factor at play too. " The story of Mohamed Salah’s unlikely rise to global stardom Could Salah follow in the footsteps of Lionel Messi and head to the United States? The wages would not be as big as in Saudi Arabia but he would still earn a hefty sum.