Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah can still leave Liverpool to Saudi Arabia despite Liverpool’s vehement opposition.
Salah emerged as a top transfer target for Saudi Pro League champions, Al Ittihad, late in the transfer window.
After capturing players in the class of Karim Benzema from Real Madrid, N’Golo Kante from Chelsea, and Fabinho from Liverpool this summer, Al Ittihad proved beyond reasonable doubts that no player is off the reach of their enticing offers.
Other Saudi Pro League clubs have also dismantle doubts the fast-rising Saudi Pro League could recruit some of the biggest names in Europe.
This summer, it has been tale of shock transfers and big exits from Europe to the gulf state. Jordan Henderson, Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozovic, Roberto Firmino, Ruben Neves, Riyad Mahrez, and Neymar Jr headline big-name summer exits from top European leagues to the Gulf state this summer with Salah emerging as next target.
Al Ittihad reportedly made a verbal bid of £100m on deadline day for Mo Salah with £50m as add-ons, taking the offer to a record £150m.
The Saudi giants, backed by Saudi Public Investment Fund, wanted Mohamed Salah to become the new face of Saudi Pro League by making him the highest-paid player with other luxury perks to cushion the deal.
Liverpool turned down Al Ittihad’s offer as they had no plans to sell Salah this summer. Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, considers Salah key to his Liverpool squad and would not exchange the player for Saudi money.
Speaking amid Al Ittihad interest in the player, Jurgen Klopp said Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool loyalty is undivided and the club will not entertain offers for the player.
However, Saudi media outlets said the Egyptian forward was considering the enticing offer as his representatives reportedly met with Saudi officials to discuss the move.
Why Mohamed Salah could still move to Saudi Arabia
Jurgen Klopp is still unsettled with Salah’s saga despite the close of 2023 transfer window. The German tactician called out football governing bodies to streamline the operation of transfer markets in football while tackling queries on the likelihood of losing Salah.
While the transfer window in Europe has closed, Saudi transfer window is still open until 7 September 2023. Hence, Al Ittihad are still at liberty to continue the chase for Mohamed Salah before their transfer window closes in less than a week.
Salah still has two years remaining in his Liverpool contract. He has remained a professional focusing on his game with Liverpool amid rumors of the Saudi exit. However, a deal is not ruled out as he could be enticed enough to leave Liverpool, joining his former teammates Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.
Also, there are projections Liverpool could also be forced to buckle down on their hardline stance on Salah with a more tempting offer.
Al Ittihad may likely add up to the £150m for Salah as their transfer window winds down. Salah is 31 years old. He will be 33 by the time he completes his contract in 2025. He may likely leave as a free agent for greener pastures away from the Premier League as Liverpool may not offer a longer contract duration again after this current deal.
Instead of losing Salah on a free transfer after next season, Liverpool could be forced to jump on Al Ittihad’s more enticing offer and use it for younger strikers.
