Al Ettifaq manager Steven Gerrard has claimed that he wouldn’t try and sign Mohamed Salah as he wants him to stay at Liverpool.
Gerrard sent shockwaves through the Reds fanbase this summer by taking Jordan Henderson to Saudi Arabia with him. In a surprise move, the former Liverpool captain robbed his beloved Reds of their current one.
Given his connections to the club, this has led to inevitable links to other players in Jurgen Klopp’s squad. But asked on Saudi TV show Sada Al Mala’eb about the ultimate catch for the Saudis – Mohamed Salah – Gerrard said the £34m man can ‘stay where he is.’
“No, the answer is no!” laughed the Liverpool legend. “Because Mohamed Salah is my favourite player. I love Liverpool football club, so Mohamed can stay where he is.
“When he wins more leagues and more Champions Leagues with Liverpool, we’ll maybe consider it.”
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Gerrard makes Salah claim
Some may have been disappointed in Gerrard’s decision to move to Saudi Arabia this summer. However, his choice to make the switch to the Middle East didn’t attract the criticism that Jordan Henderson’s did.
Nevertheless, regardless of the ins and outs of the move itself, some will have been upset by Gerrard’s act of taking Liverpool’s captain in the middle of a big rebuild.
Regardless of his lessening influence, the Reds could still have done with Henderson this season.
Without the riches of Al Ettifaq turning his head, it’s highly unlikely that the 33-year-old would have left, too. And without Gerrard commanding those riches in Dammam, it’s inconceivable that they would have been trying to sign Liverpool’s then captain.
So, whatever way you paint it, Stevie was directly responsible for Henderson leaving Anfield this summer.
For a section of supporters, this will be all the more reason to celebrate the Scouse icon. But from our point of view, it’s a bit of a shame. How it affects his future relationship with the club he’ll forever be associated with remains to be seen.
For now though, it’s nice to hear that Gerrard’s love for Liverpool is still burning genuinely bright. Mo is going nowhere.