In a move that has sent shockwaves through the footballing world, Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad has tabled a staggering £215 million transfer bid for Liverpool's star striker, Mohamed Salah. This comes after an initial £170 million offer was turned down by the Premier League giants.
The European transfer window may have closed, but the Saudi window remains ajar until Thursday. This leaves Premier League clubs, including Liverpool, in a vulnerable position as Al-Ittihad continues its aggressive pursuit of the Egyptian forward. Reports suggest that Al-Ittihad executives have already landed in the UK, armed with their enhanced offer. The deal on the table is not just about the transfer fee; it includes a weekly salary of £2.45 million for Salah, along with a host of other bonuses.
Beyond the financials, the deal is said to encompass a share of merchandise sales and performance-based bonuses. Moreover, Salah is being eyed for ambassadorial roles, not just for the Saudi Pro League, but also for the nation's tourism and investment campaigns.
Liverpool's manager, Jurgen Klopp, has been vocal about his desire to retain Salah. The forward has been instrumental for the club since his arrival in 2017, contributing to their victories in the UEFA Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup. Salah's accolades also include being named the African footballer of the year twice and the footballer of the year in England on two occasions.
Al-Ittihad's aggressive pursuit raises questions about their intentions. The club recently secured Real Madrid captain Karim Benzema with a lucrative deal. With Benzema already on their roster, the need for Salah remains a topic of debate. Speculations about a potential rift between Benzema and Al-Ittihad's manager, Nuno Espirito Santo, have surfaced, though Nuno has denied any such claims.
Saudi Arabia's recent forays into the world of sports have been nothing short of audacious. From hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix in Jeddah to shaking up the golf community with their LIV Golf series, the nation is making its intentions clear: to become a global sports powerhouse. The acquisition of big names in football, like Cristiano Ronaldo earlier this year, underscores this ambition. Reports suggest that the country is even preparing a bid to host the FIFA World Cup.
As the football community watches with bated breath, the question remains: Will Liverpool yield to the allure of the record-breaking offer, or will Salah continue to grace the Anfield turf? Only time will tell.
