The transfer market deadline in the Saudi Professional League is coming up on September 7. The summer has continued to bring in stars from all over Europe, but there is one last big name left, and that name is Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah.
Al-Ittihad, home to Karim Benzema and Fabinho, are very keen on the Egyptian striker and offered as much as £150 million for him. Despite Liverpool’s insistence that the player is not for sale, the Middle Eastern club plans to make another push to avoid competition next summer, according to Ben Jacobs, sports journalist.
“Liverpool still insist Mo Salah is not for sale. Al-Ittihad still want to make a second improved offer within 48 hours. Understand this could be a package of £175m with over £120m guaranteed. Dealmakers even prepared to go to £200m inclusive of less gettable CWC add-ons.”
“First rejected offer of £150m was only verbal and talks with Liverpool with amicable. #LFC have no intention to sell, but Saudi champions reluctant to give up, even though wider Saudi Pro League dealmakers have low optimism Liverpool will now change their position.”
“As previously revealed, part of the reason Al-Ittihad want to keep trying is there’s no guarantee they will be the chosen club for Salah in 2024. Al-Hilal (who had Salah on a list of summer targets along with Messi and their now-new-signing Neymar) and Al-Ahli also possibilities.”
“Liverpool totally calm about the situation and firm on their not-for-sale position. Also worth pointing out Salah was originally only a 2024 target, so any late move this summer was always going to be tough to pull off.”
Liverpool still insist Mo Salah is not for sale. Al-Ittihad still want to make a second improved offer within 48 hours. Understand this could be a package of £175m with over £120m guaranteed. Dealmakers even prepared to go to £200m inclusive of less gettable CWC add-ons.🇪🇬 pic.twitter.com/i1caw4rmsd
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) September 4, 2023
It is probably true that Al-Ittihad is in a mood to give up. Jurgen Klopp has consistently shown that he will not release him, and there is no way he will sell him at a time when he cannot get a replacement. No matter what amount of money is loaded in the transfer window, the story will remain the same.
With the likes of Al Hilal and Al Ahli likely to enter the transfer market next summer, it can only be to Liverpool’s advantage if there is a fierce competition for his services.
The only way to achieve this is to sign a potential successor during this season and make Saudi spend a huge amount of money.
What will be the outcome of the storyline surrounding the Saudi Arabia’s attempt to acquire Mohamed Salah?