Is Mohamed Salah on his way to Atletico Madrid?

The Egypt star could yet choose a different next destination.

Mohamed Salah's future is still completely open after the Egyptian forward left Liverpool in England during the ongoing summer transfer window.

An extraordinary nine-year spell, filled with success and record-breaking moments, came to an end this summer. Salah and Liverpool agreed to part company by mutual consent, with the attacker eager to begin a new chapter.

There is no shortage of interest in him. Clubs from the Turkish league have shown interest, while the Roshn Saudi Pro League has also emerged as a major option, with Al-Ittihad currently leading the race.

Atletico Madrid enter the picture

According to reports in Spain, Atletico Madrid are looking to take advantage of Salah's current situation and sign him as a free agent without spending anything on a transfer fee.

Spanish outlet Fichajes reports that Atletico's senior officials have already opened initial talks to assess Salah's salary expectations. The club are eager to complete the move without paying a transfer fee, which would give them a financial advantage compared to pursuing other star names.

The Madrid club are prepared to offer a two-year deal, with the possibility of a third year depending on the player's level and performances. However, one major issue remains: the substantial wages being demanded by the Egyptian. Atletico's board are trying to find a structure that would make the deal workable.

Will Salah say yes?

Atletico Madrid are unlikely to compete with the financial packages being offered by clubs in Saudi Arabia, but the prospect of playing in Spain brings a different attraction that could persuade Mohamed Salah to give it serious thought.

At 34, he may decide that remaining at the top level of European football is the best path, provided the sporting project matches what he wants at this stage of his career.

His wages in Spain may not reach the level of the offers from the Gulf. Even so, Atletico Madrid are fully aware of both his commercial and technical value, and could still put forward a strong contract by European football standards, including bonuses linked to performance and trophies.

That means Salah could be weighing up what looks like an ideal balance: a significant salary while continuing to play in one of the most competitive football environments in the world.

Securing the future

At the same time, Salah understands that his next contract will, in all likelihood, be the final one of his playing career, and he wants to ensure it brings the biggest financial return possible.

Other proposals, whether from the Gulf or from elsewhere, may be better placed to provide that. But if Salah's priority is to continue competing at the very highest level, Atletico Madrid may be the most suitable choice.