The money Al Ittihad are reportedly willing to spend to lure Mohamed Salah from Liverpool has been branded ‘ridiculous.’
Having seen an initial bid turned down by Liverpool, the Saudi Pro League side are seemingly set to make another, higher offer. That proposal looks set to be north of £200m.
The Salah saga has had tongues wagging all across the football world. And touching on it live on the TalkSPORT breakfast show this morning, pundits Ally McCoist and Alan Brazil were in disbelief over the figures being mentioned.
“The fact of the matter is that I think Jurgen Klopp has said he’s going nowhere, or we don’t want to sell,” McCoist began.
“I’m reading here, it appears as though, At-Ittihad are ready to launch a move for £215 million. This is just ridiculous.,” replied Brazil.
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“It is, that’s the word. It is,” agreed McCoist.
We’re right there with you boys, they can add another £100m onto that!
‘Ridiculous’ Salah saga marches on
In all honesty, given the market right now, spending £200m+ on Salah isn’t the ‘ridiculous’ part of this story.
Looking at fees being spent elsewhere, Mo is arguably comfortably worth that right now.
The 31-year-old is still right at the top of his game, and already has two goals and two assists in four games this season.
With 30+ in each of his last three campaigns, he’s one of the most consistent goal scorers on the planet.
What is slightly farcical is the manner of the approach from Al Ittihad, though. Having held off on an effort to sign Salah all summer, they’re going big with only days left in their transfer window.
The first offer for the Egyptian was made on the European market’s deadline day. No matter the size of it, that was always going to be rejected by Liverpool. Come again with another now, and it likely will be again.
So, in actual terms, the £215m or whatever it may end up being is ridiculous, yes. But in football terms and relatively speaking, that still may not be fair value in regards to what Mo is worth to Liverpool right now. Let’s see if anything develops today.