Liverpool hero ‘informs’ Klopp he ‘would like’ to leave after ‘huge bid’ tempts $100m forward
Mohamed Salah wants to swap Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and Al-Ittihad, according to reports.
The biggest theme of the 2023 summer transfer window has been the Saudi Pro League and their desire to become the biggest league in the world.
A load of big names have made the switch to the middle east, though the majority of them are in their 30s and past their best.
There has been the occasional big name either in their prime or approaching their prime who has been tempted by those Saudi riches, however.
Celta Vigo youngster Gabri Veiga, Lens midfielder Seko Fofana and Wolves captain Ruben Neves come to mind, while Neymar recently joined Al-Hilal.
Given the strength of the Premier League, it would be fair to say the loss of Salah would be the biggest statement yet from a league that has made plenty this summer.
Salah, 31, has scored 187 goals and made 80 assists in 307 appearances for Liverpool and has started 2023/24 with two goal contributions in as many games.
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The Reds are not the same as they were two or three years ago with several players past their best, finishing fifth in the Premier League last term.
The Egyptian forward is under contract until 2025 and has reportedly received a colossal offer to join the Saudi Arabian revolution.
And Italian journalist Rudy Galetti has claimed Salah wants to accept the offer and will ask Liverpool to sell him.
Writing on X (formerly known as Twitter), Galetti said the former Chelsea winger “informed” his club he wants to embark on a “new experience” with Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.
Unfortunately for the player, the decision is ultimately down to Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp with a “huge bid” worth “more than $100m” (£79.4m) on the table.
It is added that Monday is the deadline set to get the transfer done. It is not specified whether it is Al-Ittihad or Liverpool, though it feels pretty obvious it is the latter.
This means Sunday’s Premier League clash against Newcastle United could be Salah’s last in a Liverpool shirt, which is very sad for Our League and the Reds, but not the other 19 teams.
Speaking on Friday, Liverpool manager Klopp admitted Saudi interest in the Reds hero is “not cool for us” and revealed no Al-Ittihad bids had been made at that point.
“It’s difficult to talk about media stories as there’s nothing to talk about from our point of view,” Klopp told reporters. “Mo Salah is a Liverpool player. There’s nothing there. If there was something the answer would be no (he’s not for sale).”
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