In the high-stakes chess match of Premier League transfers, the most unthinkable move is suddenly appearing on the board. Just forty-eight hours after Mohamed Salah sent shockwaves through Merseyside by confirming his intention to leave Anfield this summer, the ripple effects have reached the Etihad Stadium.

In a development that has left fans on both sides of the M62 in a state of disbelief, reports from within the City Football Group (CFG) suggest that Manchester City’s owners are weighing up a stunning, opportunistic swoop for the Egyptian King.

The “bombshell” at Liverpool has created a vacuum. Now, the reigning champions may be looking to fill it with the very man who has spent the last seven years trying to tear them down.

The Strategy: A “Tactical Alpha” Move

For Sheikh Mansour and the Man City board, the acquisition of Mohamed Salah wouldn’t just be about adding goals to an already lethal frontline. It would be a “tactical alpha” move—a way to simultaneously strengthen their squad while dealing a psychological blow to their primary domestic rival.

Sources close to the CFG hierarchy suggest that the owners view Salah as a unique “market anomaly.” Despite being in his early 30s, Salah’s fitness levels, injury record, and relentless output are comparable to players a decade younger. For a team that prides itself on efficiency, the prospect of signing a proven Premier League legend who requires “zero adaptation time” is an investment too tempting to ignore.

“City doesn’t usually buy players over 30 for high fees,” says financial analyst Liam Vance. “But Salah is the exception to every rule. From a commercial and sporting perspective, his arrival in Manchester would be the biggest transfer story since Erling Haaland—perhaps even bigger because of the rivalry involved.”

Filling the Mahrez-Sized Hole

Tactically, Pep Guardiola has never truly replaced the specific profile of Riyad Mahrez on the right wing. While Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden have operated there with world-class intelligence, they are “interiors” by nature. Salah is a pure, vertical threat—a goal-scoring machine who stretches defenses and creates space for Haaland to exploit.

The thought of Kevin De Bruyne threading balls through to a front three of Salah, Haaland, and Foden is a terrifying prospect for the rest of Europe. It would arguably be the most potent attacking trident in the history of the game.

Guardiola has always been a public admirer of Salah’s “winning mentality.” In several post-match interviews over the years, Pep has noted that Salah is one of the few players in the world who “never stops running, never stops believing.” Bringing that mentality into the City dressing room at a time when Liverpool is entering a transition phase under Arne Slot could solidify City’s dominance for years to come.

The Financial Firepower

While Liverpool is currently navigating a period of internal restructuring following the departures of Jürgen Klopp and several key staff members, Manchester City remains a financial juggernaut.

With Salah’s contract entering its final phase and his public announcement of a “new chapter,” Liverpool’s bargaining power has been significantly diminished. If the Man City owners decide to offer a “premium” package—one that includes a massive signing bonus and a multi-year deal that Liverpool’s wage structure might not support—Salah could be tempted by the chance to stay in the Premier League and continue competing for the highest honors.

Furthermore, Salah’s global brand, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, aligns perfectly with the City Football Group’s global commercial strategy. He is more than a footballer; he is a cultural icon. The marketing revenue alone from a “Salah to City” move could arguably cover a significant portion of his transfer fee within the first year.

The “Judas” Factor: Can It Happen?

The primary obstacle, of course, is the sheer weight of history. For Salah to move directly—or even indirectly—from Anfield to the Etihad would be seen as the ultimate betrayal by the Kop.

However, football history is littered with “unthinkable” moves. From Sol Campbell to Robin van Persie, the lure of guaranteed trophies and a project that promises continued relevance often outweighs sentimental ties. If Salah feels that Liverpool’s new era doesn’t match his personal ambitions for one last “Golden Ball” run, the stability of the Blue side of Manchester becomes an undeniable magnet.

The FSG Reaction

Inside Anfield, the mood is reportedly one of “steely focus” mixed with underlying anxiety. Fenway Sports Group (FSG) has always operated on a model of sustainability, but losing Salah to their direct rival would be a catastrophic PR failure.

“If FSG lets Salah walk into the arms of Man City, the backlash from the fans will be unprecedented,” says a source near the club. “It’s one thing to lose your star to Saudi Arabia or Real Madrid. It’s another thing entirely to watch him lift the Premier League trophy in a sky-blue shirt.”

As it stands, the ball is in City’s court. The “bombshell” has been dropped, the dust is settling, and the owners of the world’s most successful modern club are watching closely.

The End of One Era, the Start of Another?

As the summer transfer window approaches, the narrative around Mohamed Salah will dominate every headline. But while many expected a move to the Middle East, the real earthquake might be brewing much closer to home.

If Manchester City pulls this off, it won’t just be a transfer. It will be a statement of intent that resonates through the halls of European football for a generation.

The Egyptian King is leaving his throne at Anfield. The question is: Will he build a new one at the Etihad?