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While Egypt's star recently made a dramatic winner at the Afcon tournament, his possible next career step to Saudi Arabia might hold more profound implications. The Saudi Pro League (SPL), after moving away from big-name veterans, is now intrigued with the prospect of signing a regional legend who remains at the height of his powers.

Beyond the "Retirement League" Label

Even with the undeniable success of marquee signings like Cristiano Ronaldo and the French striker, those in charge are determined to avoid the perception of being a final payday stop for fading stars. The pursuit of Salah signals a different ambition, heightened by his unique status as the preeminent footballing figure in the Middle East.

This directional change aligns with a wider goal within the league to forge an lasting legacy on the world stage. Does it seek to compete with established powers the Premier League, or maybe secure the position of the number two competition? Now that the first surge of excitement has faded, defining a coherent future is paramount.

Learning from Historical Precedents

The example of the Chinese Super League's short-lived boom a ten years back offers a cautionary tale. Signing star players like Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba generated buzz but did not establish a lasting foundation, with those stars returning to European clubs swiftly.

In contrast, the SPL experiment has seen most of its star imports remain for the long haul. Figures such as Benzema, N'Golo Kanté, Sadio Mané, and Mahrez are entering their third seasons, with Ronaldo spearheading the project into a fourth season. While deal expiries and advancing years loom, their ongoing commitment offers a degree of stability.

Evolving Transfer Strategy

There has been a clear move in signing policy. Clubs are now more targeting players in their prime like Retegui, Darwin Núñez, and Hernández, alongside younger talents such as Nathan Zézé and Enzo Millot. Nurturing and potentially selling these players for profit represents a prudent long-term plan.

• Becoming a credible alternative to European leagues for global talent is an unprecedented achievement.
• While not the flashiest goal, it is a niche no other league has managed to occupy.

Salah's Potential Impact

Securing Salah would deliver a tremendous lift. His signing would catapult the SPL's profile in the Arab world to new levels. Existing stars of figures such as Mahrez and Bounou, coupled with the passionate displays at the recent Arab Cup, underscore the region's football fervor and player pool.

Expanding its appeal across Africa and Asia is a logical next step. Acquiring a talent from Indonesia or finding the first Indian global star could unlock massive fan and commercial potential.

Overcoming Structural Challenges

Maintaining global viewership has been a significant challenge. The current campaign has been especially disjointed, with extended breaks for international windows and the Arab Cup disrupting the league calendar.

Global broadcasters report growing frustration in cultivating a consistent viewership for a product that appears in fits and starts. One source noted that the stop-start nature of the season makes it hard to compete for attention in a crowded sports market.

If the SPL to achieve its world-class ambitions, officials will need to find a balance so the club football does not consistently play a back seat to the national team. Failing that, talk of joining a top-three league will be just that.

A Symbolic Signing

While Mohamed Salah would add instant glamour, his true value stems from his symbolic importance as a still-dominant iconic figure. Any potential move depends on several big "ifs": whether he wants to depart Anfield, the club's willingness to part ways, and his personal interest in a Saudi move.

If a deal is struck, it would be viewed less as the acquisition of an aging Premier League star and more as the landmark signing of the Arab world's greatest footballing son.