Mohamed Salah: Al-Ittihad to make Liverpool offer they (maybe) can’t refuse
They say that no player is bigger than the club, so those in charge at Anfield have a huge decision to make, one that will not please everyone.
Mohamed Salah remains in the spotlight with Saudi side Al-Ittihad gearing up to make a mammoth $270 million (£215m) bid for the Egypt forward, reports in the UK say. Liverpool are said to be reluctant to let the prolific 31-year-old go, but their resolve could be tested with the world-record offer.
Could Salah abandon Liverpool for Saudi riches?
It’s been a solid start to the 2023 season for The Reds, with 10 points from a possible 12 and two tricky away trips - Chelsea and Newcastle - already navigated. The team’s comfortable victory over highly rated Aston Villa on Sunday gave more evidence that Jürgen Klopp’s new-look side are possibly getting back to the levels of recent years after a disappointing last campaign.
Salah has been an important part of the opening four games, but some fans have pointed to the abundance of attacking talent at the club that could make the record-breaking offer worth accepting.
Darwin Núñez, Luis Díaz, Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo can all play across the front line, and have plenty of years ahead of them, with exciting youngsters like Ben Doak and Kaide Gordon also in the wings. Then there’s the constant goal threat from midfield with Dominik Szoboszlai added to Harvey Elliot and Thiago Alcantara, among others. The argument is: cash in, maintain form, and then use the huge funds to massively boost the team strength come January and next summer. Salah will remain a legend at the club, but his time, like all perceived ‘irreplaceables’ that came before him, has to end some time.
Others though question whether Liverpool can indeed maintain their high level without the Egyptian King in their ranks. For those at the club making the final decision, only time will tell whether it was wise or not...
Other transfer rumours
The European transfer window may be closed but that doesn’t completely shut off the potential moves, and not just to the Saudi league.
West Ham is reportedly actively considering offering a short-term contract to free agent Jesse Lingard, who has left a strong impression on the club’s leadership during training sessions. The most probable proposal under consideration involves a performance-based agreement lasting until the end of the season, with the option for a potential extension.
Yannick Carrasco, the 30-year-old Belgian, has joined up with Al Shabab in Saudi Arabia. Atlético Madrid take 15 million plus add-ons for the transfer. This comes after Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos rejoins Sevilla.
Fulham’s Joao Palhinha and Tosin Adarabioyo may have their potential departures from the club revived in January. Palhinha’s anticipated move to Bayern Munich fell through on the deadline day, and a similar situation occurred with Adarabioyo concerning Monaco.
In goalkeeping news, reports state that Tottenham’s French star Hugo Lloris is expected to remain with the club at least until January. Meanwhile, Denmark’s Kasper Schmeichel, formerly EPL winning number one with Leicester City, is currently being pursued by Anderlecht following his recent departure from Nice.