Fabrizio Romano has now shed light on the two main reasons why Mohamed Salah ultimately decided to stay at Liverpool.
The 32-year-old winger signed a two-year contract extension this week, tying his future to the club until 2027. It was a dramatic conclusion to a long and often uncertain saga that left fans bracing for the worst after months of speculation.
From a jaw-dropping £150 million bid by Al-Ittihad last summer during Klopp’s final campaign, to Salah’s concerning comments in December that he was “far away” from a new deal, the emotional toll on Liverpool supporters was significant.
Agent Ramy Abbas’s cryptic social media activity only fueled the frenzy further. At one point, the numbers being thrown around were staggering.
Al-Ittihad’s offer of a £2.5 million weekly salary looked set to shatter all records, while Salah’s comment, “maybe this is my last year,” sent a collective chill through Merseyside.
But that storm has passed. The Egyptian icon remains in red, reportedly earning a fixed weekly wage of £400,000, with performance bonuses that could push it up to £480,000.
Read more: How Ola Aina reacted to Mohamed Salah officially signing new Liverpool contract
The Salah-Liverpool fairytale continues
As contract talks finally reached a happy conclusion, Fabrizio revealed on The Daily Briefing the main reason for the Egyptian’s decision.
The journalist believes that the decision was shaped by two forces, Salah’s connection to the club and his belief in Arne Slot.
“Mo Salah sent a clear indication to the club he really wanted to stay at Liverpool.
But few months ago, considering October, November, December, there was strong interest from Saudi, concrete interest from Saudi.
They were prepared to offer big money to Mo Salah. I’m told not the same package of money offered to Vinicius Junior but in that region so really big amount of money but Mo Salah loves Liverpool.
Mo Salah feels he can still make the difference in the Premier League.”
Fabrizio Romano further highlighted the importance of Liverpool’s new managerial direction:
“Mo Salah is very happy with Arne Slot as a coach and with Liverpool project for long term. These were two crucial factors.
Okay, the money always important in football in general, not just for the player, but what really changed the story is the coach Arne Slot.”
Having already lifted every major trophy with Liverpool, including the Champions League and Premier League, Salah is now re-energized for another run at glory.
And under Slot’s fresh leadership, the motivation to build on his legacy appears stronger than ever.
Also read: Who can replace Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool