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Although Egypt's star delivered a late impact at the Afcon tournament, his possible next career step to Saudi Arabia might hold far greater significance. The Saudi Pro League (SPL), after shifting focus from aging veterans, is now tempted by the idea of signing a regional legend who remains at the peak of his abilities.

Beyond the "Sunset Destination" Perception

Despite the clear impact of high-profile arrivals like CR7 and Karim Benzema, those in charge are determined to shake off the reputation of being a final payday destination for fading stars. The pursuit of Mohamed Salah signals a different ambition, heightened by his special position as the biggest sports icon in the Middle East.

This directional change reflects a wider goal within the SPL to establish an enduring identity on the global scene. Is the aim to rival established powers the Premier League, or perhaps claim the spot of the number two league? Now that the initial wave of excitement has faded, charting a sustainable path is crucial.

Learning from Historical Precedents

The example of the Chinese Super League's brief spending spree a ten years back serves as a sobering lesson. Signing big names like Anelka and Drogba created headlines but did not establish a sustainable model, with those stars returning to Europe quickly.

However, the SPL experiment has witnessed the majority of its star imports remain for the long haul. Players like Benzema, N'Golo Kanté, Sadio Mané, and Riyad Mahrez are entering their third seasons, with Cristiano Ronaldo spearheading the project into a fourth season. Although contract timelines and age loom, their ongoing commitment provides a measure of stability.

A Shift in Transfer Strategy

There has been a noticeable pivot in recruitment. Teams are now more targeting players in their prime like Retegui, Darwin Núñez, and Hernández, coupled with younger talents such as Nathan Zézé and Enzo Millot. Developing and later transferring these players for profit represents a sensible business model.

• Establishing itself as a viable option to European leagues for global talent is an unprecedented feat.
• It may not be the most glamorous goal, it is a niche no other league has managed to occupy.

Salah's Potential Impact

Securing Salah would provide a massive boost. His arrival would catapult the league's standing in the region to new levels. The presence of players like Mahrez and Bounou, coupled with the strong showing at the recent Arab Cup, highlight the area's football fervor and player pool.

Growing its reach across the African continent and Asia is a obvious next step. Signing a talent from Indonesia or finding the first Indian global star could unlock massive fan and commercial potential.

Navigating Structural Challenges

Maintaining global viewership has proven a significant challenge. This season has been especially fragmented, with extended breaks for national team duty and tournaments disrupting the league calendar.

International TV partners have expressed increasing difficulty in cultivating a consistent viewership for a product that is broadcast in irregular bursts. An insider suggested that the stop-start nature of the fixture list makes it challenging to vie for eyeballs in a crowded sports market.

If the SPL to realize its world-class ambitions, planners will need to find a balance so the domestic competition does not always take a back seat to the Saudi national side. Failing that, aspirations of joining a world elite will be just that.

A Symbolic Signing

While Salah would add instant glamour, his true value lies in his cultural significance as a peak-performing Arab legend. A prospective transfer depends on several big "ifs": whether he wants to leave Liverpool, Liverpool's readiness to sell, and his personal interest in a Saudi move.

Should it happen, it would be viewed less as the signing of an veteran from England and more as the historic capture of the region's greatest footballing son.