Interest in Mohamed Salah from the Saudi Pro League has certainly been no secret, but should the Egyptian eventually depart Anfield for the free-spending overseas division it may have been aided by the performances of Manchester City.
According to the Express, if Liverpool are not in a title race by January then Al-Ittihad will revamp their attempt to sign the 31-year-old once the transfer window reopens. Salah, of course, remained on Merseyside despite relentless efforts from the Saudi side to secure his signature, though that does not mean their pursuit is over.
Having rejected a verbal offer of £150million, reports claimed that a new offer of up to £220million was being readied but the Reds stood firm to retain their star man as they would have been unable to replace him so soon.
Man City are clear favourites to clinch the Premier League title once again this season and the Saudis believe this may help sway Salah towards a move. They believe that if Liverpool are not in contention for the title then Jurgen Klopp’s side may be less reluctant to cash in on the winger, whereas if they are fighting for first place then they would be less likely to sanction a deal.
By this reckoning, if Pep Guardiola’s side have established a firm grip at the top of the table by January then the possibility of Salah linking up with Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante at Al-Ittihad is higher. This would, of course, still be the case regardless of who is sat top of the league – if it is not the Reds then this deal may just gain legs.
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The Egypt international has featured four times for Klopp’s men so far this season, scoring twice and registering two assists during Liverpool’s unbeaten start to the campaign.
Salah would need replacing
Holding onto Salah this summer was a smart move given there was no time to try and find a suitable replacement. Retaining him until the end of the season would be ideal, but should it become apparent that further big money offers were due to take place in January it at least provides the Reds with some time to find a new talent to take his place.
Moves for Federicho Chiesa and Leroy Sane were touted in the summer, though it remains to be seen who would be the prime candidate to replace Salah in the squad.
Regardless of when he departs, Salah’s name will be etched into Liverpool’s history books forever. A modern-day legend, his contribution to the side will never be forgotten.
It is a waiting game now, but we are bound to know more as the season progresses. Until then, just enjoy watching the magician at work at Anfield.