Saudi Arabia’s financial power is shaking European soccer this summer transfer market. One would think that only players over the age of 30, such as Karim Benzema,N’Golo Kanté, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Sadio Mane, would be moving to the Saudi Professional League, but a number of players in their mid-20s, such as Rubén Neves, are moving on, and the Saudi Professional League is undergoing a real transformation.
In addition to Roberto Firmino, whose contract has expired from Liverpool, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho have decided to leave Anfield, attracted by the allure of the Middle East. Others are also said to be in contact with Thiago Alcántara and Alisson Becker.
Egyptian international Mohamed Salah, who signed a contract extension last summer, is one such player, but the player’s agent has flatly denied any move. However, Al-Ittihad, led by coach Nuno Espirito Santo, has not given up and has renewed its interest in the 31-year-old striker, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.
At this point, it is not clear whether negotiations will move forward, and depending on the Saudi oil money, there is no possibility of losing a key player like Henderson or Fabinho.
However, there is no way that Jurgen Klopp would be willing to sell his ace at this point in the season, and it is highly likely that this would be an unfounded fear. Even if the players were to be swayed by a huge offer and volunteer to move, it is unlikely that they would be able to get a replacement, and they would be forced to put up with the situation for at least a year.
However, anything can happen in the transfer market. And with Saudi Arabia, the future is even more difficult to predict. Will Mohamed Salah join a Middle Eastern club before September?