Liverpool FC and its global fanbase can finally breathe a sigh of relief as the Saudi Arabia transfer window closed without the anticipated move of their star player, Mohamed Salah. The deadline, which came on September 7 at 10 pm, saw no deal materialize, ensuring that Salah remains at Anfield, at least for the foreseeable future. However, the looming shadow of a potential January bid from the Saudi Pro League remains.
Al-Ittihad, a prominent team from the Saudi Pro League, had been persistently linked with Salah. The potential of a hefty bid from the oil-rich nation had Liverpool supporters on edge, fearing the club might succumb to the allure of a significant financial windfall. Such a move would have left Liverpool in a precarious position, given that the English transfer window had already concluded, preventing them from securing a replacement.
Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool's manager, arguably felt the pressure most acutely. The departure of Salah would have tasked him with the monumental challenge of reconfiguring his squad without its leading striker. The next opportunity to sign a replacement would be four months away, and finding a player of Salah's caliber would be no small feat. Klopp had previously expressed his unease about the potential "threat" from Saudi Arabia, especially given the vulnerability of European clubs post their transfer window's closure.
This summer had already seen significant changes to Liverpool's squad. Captain Jordan Henderson's move to Al-Ettifaq, a Saudi side now managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, was particularly notable. Henderson's decision to move had been met with mixed reactions, but he later clarified that neither Klopp nor the club's executives had shown any resistance to his transfer.
The rumour mill was abuzz with talks of a staggering £215 million bid for Salah from Al-Ittihad. While it remains uncertain if such an offer was ever tabled, it was widely reported that Liverpool had turned down an earlier £170 million bid. Representatives from the Saudi club were even believed to have traveled to the UK for negotiations, but no further updates emerged as the transfer deadline approached.
Salah's contract with Liverpool is set to expire at the end of the 2024-25 season. If he remains with the club past January, Liverpool might consider cashing in on him next summer, rather than risk losing him on a free transfer. This strategy would hinge on Salah maintaining his high-performance levels, ensuring he remains a valuable asset.
In another twist, Manchester United's Jadon Sancho became a focal point of transfer discussions. After expressing his dissatisfaction at Old Trafford, Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq reportedly showed interest. However, no deal was finalized, leaving Sancho at United amidst a somewhat tense atmosphere.
In conclusion, while the recent transfer window has shut, the speculations and potential moves have set the stage for an intriguing January window. Liverpool, in particular, will be keenly watched as they navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
