Fernando Hierro discusses failed Mohamed Salah move to Al Nassr
Fernando Hierro has lifted the lid on a failed attempt to lure Mohamed Salah to Al Nassr – and made no secret of his desire to see the Liverpool forward in a Real Madrid shirt next.
The former Madrid captain, who served as sporting director at the Saudi club, admitted Al Nassr explored a move for Salah when the Egypt star’s contract situation briefly opened the door to talks outside England.
Salah is set to walk away from Anfield as a free agent next month, bringing an end to nine glittering years on Merseyside. He has yet to confirm his next destination. That uncertainty has only fuelled speculation in Spain, where Hierro believes the 31-year-old would be a perfect fit.
“Salah to Real Madrid? Of course, I would love that,” Hierro told ON Sport. “Salah is an outstanding player in every sense of the word. No one can deny his huge impact at Liverpool and the achievements he has made, especially winning the Premier League. I would love to see him at Real Madrid – anything is possible in football.”
Hierro, a five-time La Liga winner and three-time Champions League champion with Madrid, framed Salah as exactly the kind of free transfer the European champions should be circling.
“Salah is the type of player any club in the world would want to sign,” he said. “He is exceptional and has a direct impact on the pitch. He is not just a great player; he is a true football phenomenon who makes the difference wherever he plays.
“Imagine him in La Liga, whether with Real Madrid or Barcelona – it would be a huge boost for the competition. He has the quality, experience, and ability to adapt to any team or style of play. In the end, Mohamed Salah is a ‘top’ player in every sense. Any club in the world would be proud to have him… so why not see him one day at Real Madrid? Everything is possible in football.”
Behind the scenes, Hierro and Al Nassr had already tested the waters. During his spell as sporting director for the 2024/25 campaign, the Saudi Pro League side held initial discussions about a possible move in the final months of Salah’s Liverpool deal in 2025, when his contract allowed him to speak to clubs abroad.
The idea never moved beyond that early stage. Salah’s priority, Hierro explained, was always Liverpool, and he eventually signed a two-year extension 12 months ago.
“There were indeed many reports in the past about the possibility of Mohamed Salah moving to the Saudi Pro League, but ultimately, the decision always lies with the player,” Hierro said.
“At that time, his main focus was on Liverpool, which is completely normal for a player of his level. From our side, like any sporting management, when a name like Mohamed Salah comes up, it naturally attracts great interest because he is an exceptional player who would add value to any team in the world.
“So yes, in principle, it is impossible to reject the idea of signing a player of such quality – in fact, it would be an honor for any club. However, it must be emphasised that most of what was reported remained within the realm of rumors and did not reach advanced stages, especially given the player’s commitment to his club at that time.”
Now that commitment is nearing its end. Salah insists he has not chosen his next club. Hierro, like many in Madrid, clearly hopes the next chapter of one of this era’s defining forwards is written at the Bernabéu.
