Liverpool were successful in keeping hold of Salah, despite huge money offered from Saudi Arabia in the closing stages of the transfer window.
The Saudi Pro League failed to get their main man even after offering huge amounts of money. And their efforts to lure Mo Salah from Liverpool failed.
But as per Saudi Pro League director of football, Michael Emenalo, their pursuit for the Egyptian is not done yet.
The reigning Pro League champions Al-Ittihad had bid a whooping £150m for Salah. However, this hefty bid was rejected by Liverpool in the closing stages of the transfer window.
The Saudi side had already signed the reigning Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema and the World Cup winner N’Golo Kante.
However, they consider Mohamed Salah to be the most prominent sportsperson from the Arab world. And their interest in the Egyptian was never likely to fade away, even after multiple Liverpool rejections.
Hence, Liverpool probably have to brace themselves for further approaches from the Middle East.
Saudi side not done with Liverpool in pursuit of Mo Salah
In an interview with Sky Sports, Emenalo discussed the state of play in light of Al Ittihad’s failure to land Salah.
“First and foremost, Mohamed Salah is one of the best players on the planet. I’ve said before, privately and publicly, that we welcome anybody that wants to come [to the Saudi Pro League] and that includes Salah. But we have to do things in a very professional and respectful manner. That’s what we’re there for; it’s what the SPL has been refined to do: bring professionalism, respect for efficiencies, and do things in a competent way.
If it didn’t happen, it’s not because we no longer fancy the player or because we have a problem with Liverpool. It’s because certain things that need to align for all the parties involved in the process didn’t align. Nobody is angry – we move on – but we absolutely close no doors and if the opportunity is there to do things and do it well – and it brings Mohamed Salah to the Saudi Pro League we will all be very grateful.”
Salah is irreplaceable
We saw a number of Liverpool players signed by the Saudi clubs in the form of Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, and Roberto Firmino.
However, the midfielders left have been replaced by the club as the Reds signed Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Endo, and Gravenberch.
But the Egyptians is considered irreplaceable if at all he is to leave the club. Moreover, Salah’s Liverpool contract runs until the end of the 2024/25 season.
But if they choose, they could certainly generate a substantial fee for their star man the Anfield outfit might start considering the Saudi bids.
Clearly, Klopp and Co won’t want to see their No. 11 leave Anfield already. But the club may receive an offer too good to turn down next summer, by which time Salah will be 32.
For now, though, Salah remains integral to the Reds’ cause as they look to improve on their disappointing 2022/23 campaign.
The Merseysiders have started the season strongly with Salah being involved in each game. The Liverpool forward has a goal involvement in each of their four games so far, scoring twice and assisting twice.
I’m a football enthusiast and an avid writer and someone who lives by the Bill Shankly quote, on a day to day basis.
