According to transfer source Dean Jones of GIVEMESPORT, Liverpool “will fight” to keep Mohamed Salah at Anfield despite an important development that has emerged amid interest from high-spending Al-Ittihad.
The Saudi Arabian team previously acquired Fabinho in a £40 million transfer earlier this summer, but Reds manager Jurgen Klopp is unwilling to permit another eye-catching exit.
Mohamed Salah is a transfer topic for Liverpool.
The Athletic reports that despite Al-Ittihad’s renewed interest with the September 1 deadline just a few days away, Liverpool has maintained that Salah is not for sale.
According to the article, earlier this month, agent Ramy Abbas reportedly ruled out the notion of his client—who has 187 goals to his name—moving to the Saudi Pro League.
Al-Ittihad has not made a bid for Liverpool, according to Klopp, and any other offers won’t be taken into consideration.
Respected journalist Jones previously warned GIVEMESPORT that the Reds would find themselves in a tight spot because the Saudi Arabian transfer window will close after the Premier League’s deadline, which would mean that offers could be submitted after Friday.
Salah is expected to receive a remuneration package worth close to £1.5 million per week from Al-Ittihad, who are reportedly willing to spend more than £100 million for the Egyptian. This would make Salah one of the highest-paid players in the world.
His £350,000 per week Liverpool deal is entering its final two years, raising concerns about where his long-term prospects lay.
What has Dean Jones said about Salah?
Jones understands that Liverpool remains resolute in their stance and preparing to reject any bids that are lodged for Salah.
But the transfer insider has warned that Al-Ittihad’s mammoth budget means that a deal cannot be ruled out for the winger, while a bid is expected.
Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “The message out of Liverpool remains that they intend to knock back any offer for Salah, no matter the level.
“But there is genuine expectation that a bid is coming here and if an offer of anything like £100million is actually on the table, can you turn it down? You’ll never see that type of money for him again.
“He is 31 and Liverpool have a host of forward options already. Of course, they would miss him and of course, it’s hard to evolve, but it’s not impossible.
“I personally think Liverpool will fight for their man here because of Klopp’s hardball stance on how he feels about the situation – and they have already taken a couple of his important squad players – but a deal could happen.
“There is barely anything in football that is impossible when you have so much financial power and are ready to offer Salah the role of Saudi poster boy – a playing situation where he would stand side-by-side with Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar to take this league to where it wants to be in terms of global status.”