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While the Liverpool forward recently made a dramatic winner at the Africa Cup of Nations, his possible next career step to the Gulf kingdom might hold far greater significance. This ambitious competition, which has been shifting focus from aging veterans, is now tempted by the prospect of signing a regional legend who is still at the peak of his abilities.

Beyond the "Retirement League" Label

Despite the clear impact of marquee signings like CR7 and the French striker, league officials are determined to shake off the perception of being a sun-drenched retirement destination for fading stars. The pursuit of Salah signals a different ambition, heightened by his unique status as the biggest footballing figure in the Arab world.

This directional change reflects a wider goal within the SPL to establish an lasting legacy on the world stage. Is the aim to rival leagues like the English top flight, or maybe secure the position of the world's second-best league? Now that the initial wave of excitement has faded, charting a sustainable path is paramount.

Heeding Past Experiments

The example of the Chinese Super League's short-lived boom a decade ago offers a cautionary tale. Signing star players like Anelka and Drogba created headlines but failed to build a lasting foundation, with those stars returning to Europe swiftly.

In contrast, the SPL experiment has seen the majority of its star imports remain for the long haul. Players like Benzema, N'Golo Kanté, Mané, and Riyad Mahrez are entering their third seasons, with Ronaldo leading the project into a fourth. While contract timelines and advancing years are a factor, their ongoing commitment provides a measure of stability.

A Shift in Recruitment Policy

There has been a clear move in signing policy. Teams are now more shopping for players in their prime like Mateo Retegui, Darwin Núñez, and Theo Hernández, coupled with emerging prospects such as Nathan Zézé and Millot. Nurturing and later transferring these players for profit represents a prudent long-term plan.

• Becoming a viable option to Europe for global talent is an unprecedented achievement.
• It may not be the flashiest goal, it is a role no other league has managed to occupy.

The Salah Factor

Landing Salah would provide a tremendous lift. His signing would catapult the league's standing in the Arab world to unprecedented heights. Existing stars of players like Riyad Mahrez and Bounou, alongside the passionate displays at the recent Arab Cup, highlight the area's deep passion and abundant talent.

Expanding its appeal across Africa and the Asian market is a obvious next step. Acquiring a talent from Indonesia or finding the breakout Chinese global star could unlock enormous fan and commercial opportunities.

Overcoming Scheduling Hurdles

Sustaining global viewership has been a major test. The current campaign has been particularly fragmented, with extended breaks for national team duty and tournaments disrupting the domestic schedule.

Global broadcasters have expressed increasing difficulty in cultivating a consistent viewership for a product that appears in irregular bursts. An insider suggested that the erratic rhythm of the fixture list makes it challenging to vie for attention in a saturated media landscape.

If the SPL to achieve its global aspirations, planners must find a balance so the club football does not consistently play second fiddle to the Saudi national side. Failing that, talk of becoming a top-three league will be just that.

A Symbolic Signing

While Mohamed Salah would add instant glamour, his greater worth stems from his cultural significance as a still-dominant Arab legend. Any potential move depends on several big "ifs": whether he wants to depart Anfield, Liverpool's readiness to sell, and his own choice in a Saudi move.

Should it happen, it would be viewed less as the acquisition of an aging Premier League star and more as the historic capture of the Arab world's premier footballing son.