In the ever-evolving landscape of football transfers and speculations, few names have generated as much buzz as Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian football sensation, renowned for his incredible speed, clinical finishing, and mesmerizing dribbling, has remained at the center of transfer discussions. His future at Liverpool has been a topic of immense interest, particularly concerning a potential move to the Saudi Pro League with Al Ittihad.
The Saudi Temptation
Al Ittihad’s pursuit of Mohamed Salah first came to light when they submitted an initial bid of £150 million for the winger. This audacious offer served as a testament to their resolve in securing a world-class player for their roster. In a summer that witnessed the likes of Neymar, Karim Benzema, and Sadio Mane relocating to Saudi Arabia, Al Ittihad was eager to add Salah to their star-studded lineup.
Nonetheless, Liverpool, under the leadership of their esteemed manager Jurgen Klopp, stood unwavering in their stance – Mohamed Salah was not available for sale. The Reds’ steadfast commitment to retaining their prized asset conveyed a clear message that they intended to keep one of their most valuable stars at Anfield.
The Astonishing Offer
Undeterred by Liverpool’s rejection of the initial bid, Al Ittihad returned with an even more astonishing proposal. This time, they presented a contract that had the potential to make Salah the highest-earning footballer globally, surpassing Neymar’s £200 million transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017. If accepted, this deal would also have eclipsed the £130 million transfer of Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool to Barcelona in 2018.
Al Ittihad was willing to commit an astronomical sum of £215 million, inclusive of various undisclosed add-ons, to secure Salah’s signature. Their enthusiasm was such that a Saudi delegation even embarked on a journey to London for a face-to-face meeting with Salah, with the hope of persuading him to make the move.
Liverpool’s Resolute Stand
Despite the allure of Saudi riches and the departure of several Liverpool players to the Saudi Pro League, including Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, the majority of Liverpool’s hierarchy remained unwavering in their opposition to Salah’s departure. Klopp, in particular, made his stance clear when he addressed the rumors surrounding Salah’s potential move to Al Ittihad.
“I’ve never had, and I don’t have now, doubts about his future, his commitment to this club. Believe me, you can’t imagine how much fuss the whole world makes, and how calm we are with it. He’s our player, he wants to play here, and that’s it,” Klopp declared, as reported by Sky Sports.
Salah’s Impact at Liverpool
Since his arrival at Liverpool in 2017, Mohamed Salah has established himself as a cornerstone of the club. The 31-year-old winger has made a remarkable 309 appearances across all competitions, scoring an impressive 188 goals. His contributions were pivotal in Liverpool’s Champions League triumph in 2019, a historic achievement for the club.
Moreover, Salah’s on-field brilliance has been complemented by his off-field success. His earnings have soared to staggering heights, with Forbes reporting his total earnings at $53 million in May 2023. His ability to consistently perform at the highest level has cemented his status as one of the best players of his generation and one of the greatest African footballers of all time.
The Mega-Offer and Future Prospects
As the Saudi transfer window neared its close, Al Ittihad reportedly tabled a world-record bid of £215 million for Salah. This staggering sum could have seen him earn an astonishing £127 million annually. To put it in perspective, Salah would pocket an eye-watering £350,000 per day and an astounding £14,600 per hour if he accepted the offer.
Despite the astronomical figures involved, Liverpool remained resolute in their refusal to part ways with their star forward. With no time to secure a suitable replacement during the transfer window, Salah’s departure seemed highly unlikely.
The Age Factor
At 31 years old, Salah’s age became a point of contention in the ongoing saga. Some questioned the wisdom of rejecting a nine-figure offer for a player in his early thirties. However, Salah’s exceptional fitness and consistent performance on the pitch have defied the traditional expectations associated with players of his age.
Salah’s Agent and Cryptic Moments
Throughout the saga, Salah’s agent, Ramy Abbas Issa, added an intriguing layer to the story. Known for his cryptic social media posts, Issa kept fans and pundits guessing about Salah’s future. His unconventional approach to announcements and negotiations only fueled the speculation further.
Salah’s Legacy at Liverpool
Assuming Salah remains at Liverpool, he is poised to continue his remarkable journey with the club. He aims to reach the milestone of 200 goals in all competitions, a feat that would solidify his place among Liverpool’s all-time greats. While breaking Ian Rush’s club record might be a tall order, Salah has consistently defied expectations throughout his career.