Mohamed Salah's potential transfer to Al-Ittihad has hit an unexpected roadblock this summer, with the Saudi Arabian club's plans derailed by an internal complication involving French winger Moussa Diaby. After nine seasons at Liverpool, the Egyptian forward departed the Premier League club at the end of the 2025-26 campaign and has been exploring options across Europe and the Gulf region.
The Saudi club had constructed a clear pathway for Salah's arrival. Al-Ittihad's management had long anticipated Diaby's departure, having been aware since January that the French international wanted out. Rather than disrupting their squad mid-season, the club elected to accelerate the exit during the summer window, freeing space and resources to bring in the Liverpool legend as Diaby's replacement.
Diaby's Unexpected Change of Heart
However, recent developments have upended Al-Ittihad's transfer strategy entirely. Sources indicate that Diaby has reversed his decision and now intends to remain with the Jeddah-based club, catching the board off guard. This dramatic shift means Al-Ittihad no longer has the squad space or immediate motivation to pursue the Egyptian star on the timeline originally discussed. The club's negotiating position has weakened considerably as a result.
Other obstacles have also emerged on the Salah front. Besiktas, the Turkish Super Lig giants, reportedly reached preliminary terms with Salah for a one-season deal worth €12 million with extension options. The club has since denied the reports officially but is allegedly exploring sponsorship arrangements to finance the move independently. Meanwhile, Salah continues fielding interest from multiple European destinations, keeping his options deliberately open.
A Deal Still Possible, But With Conditions
Despite the present complications, sources close to the negotiations have indicated that an Al-Ittihad move remains feasible—but only if circumstances shift. The Saudi club must either find Diaby an alternative exit route or secure fresh investment to restructure their wage bill. With the transfer window ongoing, neither scenario can be ruled out, though time grows increasingly scarce. Salah's next destination will likely become clear within the coming weeks as clubs formalize their bids and the Egyptian forward makes his final decision.
