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Although Mohamed Salah recently made a late impact at the Afcon tournament, his potential future move to the Gulf kingdom could carry more profound implications. The Saudi Pro League (SPL), after moving away from big-name veterans, is now tempted by the idea of signing a global icon who remains at the peak of his powers.

Moving Past the "Sunset Destination" Label

Despite the undeniable success of marquee signings like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, league officials are determined to avoid the perception of being a final payday destination for players in decline. The interest of Salah indicates a different ambition, intensified by his special position as the preeminent footballing figure in the Middle East.

This strategic shift aligns with a wider goal within the league 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 competition? Now that the initial wave of excitement has faded, defining a coherent future is crucial.

Heeding Past Experiments

The experience of the Chinese Super League's short-lived boom a decade ago offers a cautionary tale. Signing star players like Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba generated headlines but failed to build a sustainable model, with many stars returning to Europe quickly.

In contrast, the SPL experiment has witnessed most of its high-earning recruits remain for the long haul. Players like Karim Benzema, Kanté, Sadio Mané, and Mahrez are now in their third seasons, with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the project into a fourth. Although deal expiries and advancing years loom, their ongoing commitment provides a measure of stability.

A Shift in Recruitment Policy

There has been a clear move in signing policy. Teams are increasingly targeting players in their prime like Mateo Retegui, Darwin Núñez, and Hernández, coupled with younger talents such as Nathan Zézé and Millot. Nurturing and potentially selling these players for profit represents a sensible long-term plan.

• Establishing itself as a credible alternative to Europe for global talent is an unprecedented achievement.
• It may not be the flashiest goal, it is a niche no other league has managed to occupy.

The Salah Factor

Securing Salah would deliver a tremendous lift. His arrival would catapult the SPL's standing in the Arab world to new levels. Existing stars of players like Mahrez and Bounou, alongside the strong showing at the FIFA Arab Cup, highlight the area's football fervor and player pool.

Growing its reach across Africa and Asia is a obvious strategic move. Acquiring a player from Indonesia or finding the first Indian global star could tap into enormous fan and commercial potential.

Overcoming Structural Challenges

Maintaining international interest has been a significant challenge. This season has been particularly disjointed, with long pauses for national team duty and the Arab Cup disrupting the league calendar.

International TV partners report increasing difficulty in building a consistent viewership for a league that is broadcast in irregular bursts. An insider noted that the stop-start nature of the season makes it hard to vie for attention in a saturated media landscape.

If the SPL to realize its world-class ambitions, officials will need to find a balance so the club football does not consistently play second fiddle to the national team. Failing that, talk of joining a world elite will be just that.

More Than Just a Transfer

Although Salah would bring instant glamour, his true value lies in his cultural significance as a peak-performing Arab legend. Any potential move depends on several big "ifs": whether he wants to leave Liverpool, Liverpool's readiness to sell, and his own choice in a Saudi move.

Should it happen, it would be seen less as the acquisition of an veteran from England and more as the historic capture of the Arab world's premier sporting hero.