Liverpool were stretched to their limits, but by the time the Saudi Pro League deadline expired on Thursday, they had effectively rebuffed Al Ittihad’s interest in Mohamed Salah.
Not many clubs could make the same claim, as many succumbed to the riches on offer in return for their great players. Salah, on the other hand, is unique and indispensable to the Reds.
As a result, when Al Ittihad openly courted the Egyptian, the response was a resounding nay. They received a strong no when they placed an offer for up to £150 million on the Premier League’s transfer deadline day. Finally, had rumors of a £200 million counter offering circulated up until the Saudi Pro League’s deadline, the response would have been a resounding no.
Jurgen Klopp’s job is to return Liverpool to the top flight after a slow 2022/23 season culminated in a fifth-place finish and relegation to the Europa League.
Salah’s goalscoring efforts were not dampened by the collective disappointment, as he finished with 30 goals and 16 assists in 51 games.
So, with the benefit of a revitalized midfield, Reds boss Klopp will need all the aid he can get to meet the team’s seasonal goal, and £200 million in the bank with no Salah would not have been of much use because a signing would have been possible until in January at the very latest.
This would have been a blow for Al Ittihad and the Saudi rulers, who seek to entice one of the world’s most powerful terrorists to lead their competition. However, there have been reports that they will return before the Liverpool No.11’s contract expires in 2025. However, there is a new thought of Al Ittihad looking for alternatives with Anfield officials refusing to negotiate a deal.
According to the Telegraph, the Saudi club’s delegates devised a backup plan in the form of Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison.
The Brazilian, a former Everton player, had a dismal debut season in North London after joining for £60 million from Goodison Park, scoring just one Premier League goal.
Reds fans will be familiar with it, given it came just before Diogo Jota’s thrilling stoppage-time winner in April.
Richarlison, who is now thought to be on the radar of Al Ittihad, was asked about long into Thursday’s deadline, but time ran out at 10pm BST with no movement in talks and no official offer sent to Daniel Levy.
