Al-Ittihad was serious about acquiring Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, who is also popular in Saudi Arabia. With the reinforcement period in Europe looming and the inability to secure a suitable successor, a large sum of money was offered for the 31-year-old striker, but the move did not materialize.
While another attempt is being discussed for next January or next summer’s transfer window, Al-Ittihad changed targets just before the deadline and implemented an approach for Brazilian international Richarlison, who is struggling at Tottenham Hotspur, according to The Telegraph.
Talks over the transfer were conducted through an intermediary, and the Middle Eastern club was unable to secure a deal after negotiations failed to reach an agreement by 10 p.m. on September 7. It is not clear whether they will be interested again in the winter market, but it is believed that they are looking at him as a replacement for Salah.
The Brazilian striker, who joined Tottenham in the summer of 2022 after stints at Watford and Everton, was often forced into midfield appearances last season by the likes of England international Harry Kane and South Korea’s Son Heung-min, but his numbers were not as good as they could have been. His numbers were also sluggish, scoring just one goal in the Premier League.
This season, with the departure of their ace to Bayern, he was given a starting berth in the opening game of the season. However, his performance was less than impressive, and he still did not score a goal in the domestic league. As a replacement for Kane, he was noticeably inadequate.
The 26-year-old forward, who has never been successful in North London, is a different type of striker from Mohamed Salah in every respect. There is a big difference in the number of goals scored, and I am somewhat skeptical that he can replace him.
However, it is not impossible that they could make use of their ample funds to make a double move. With former French international Karim Benzema reigning at center forward, there are no promising players on the wings on either side of the field. With Salah cutting in from the right and Richarlison cutting in from the left, they would form one of the best attacking forces in Saudi Arabia.
The departure of Egyptian King, who continues to attract interest, will also be closely watched, as will the future of the former Everton forward, who is struggling in London.