The Saudi Professional League took European soccer by storm this summer with a number of star signings, not only players over the age of 30, but also players in their early to mid-20s deciding to move on.
Liverpool’s reinforcement plans were derailed when Jordan Henderson and Fabinho also decided to go to the Middle East, but they stubbornly refused to let go of Egyptian international Mohamed Salah. They did not even listen to the huge offer, partly because the concrete approach from Saudi Arabia came too late.
However, Al-Ittihad’s interest has not waned. While he is expected to return next January or even next summer, Ben Jacobs believes that Egyptian King is likely to leave next summer and said that Liverpool is required to plan its life without Salah.
“Liverpool are aware that Salah is likely to leave in 2024, even though his contract expires in 2025. And whereas they were able to bat off a £150 million package from Al-Ittihad this summer, it’s going to be a lot harder to turn down good money if Salah wants the move in a year’s time, because they’ll only be a year left on the contract. If Salah commits to Liverpool for this year and then says he wants to go then Liverpool may have to start planning for life without Salah.”
“That kind of money could be very important to Liverpool over a number of windows as well. And there’s absolutely no doubt that the Saudi side is going to return for Salah.”
GIVEMESPORT
Liverpool has already begun the search for a successor, with names such as West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen and PSV Eindhoven forward Johan Bakayoko being discussed in the media.
While it would be unreasonable to expect the same scoring potential as the former Roma winger who has scored over “180” goals at Anfield, the budget must be invested in talent that has even the slightest chance of doing so.
We don’t know who the white feather will be, but we trust that Liverpool will make good use of the large sum of money they will get from the sale of Salah.