Journalist: Liverpool face battle to keep star amid huge Saudi interest | OneFootball

Mo Salah’s Saudi Move: What Does the Future Hold for Liverpool?

In a story that seems to echo the rumblings of last summer, Mo Salah is once again at the center of speculation linking him with a move to Saudi Arabia. According to a report from Rudy Galetti of TeamTalk, Saudi Arabian chiefs are confident of landing the Liverpool superstar, with sources revealing details of a massive prospective contract in the Middle East. The interest from the Saudi Pro League is nothing new, as they previously made a £150 million offer, which was rejected by Liverpool. But as Salah enters the final year of his contract, the Saudis are adopting a new strategy.

Saudi Interest in Salah: Persistent Pursuit

The Saudi Arabian clubs, backed by the powerful Public Investment Fund (PIF), have never hidden their admiration for Salah. Last summer, Al-Ittihad made an audacious attempt to sign the Egyptian forward, offering Liverpool a whopping £150 million. However, Liverpool firmly declined, unwilling to part ways with their talismanic player at that stage. Fast forward a year, and it seems the Saudis are still very much in the hunt.

According to TeamTalk, “Saudi Arabian chiefs are growing in confidence that they will be able to snare Mo Salah away from Liverpool.” The Saudis are reportedly planning to secure Salah on a free transfer once his contract expires next year, a move that would allow them to avoid the hefty transfer fee that Liverpool would demand if they were to sell him this summer.

Photo: IMAGO

Change In Strategy: New Saudi Approach

What makes this story particularly intriguing is the shift in the Saudis’ approach. Rather than splashing the cash in this transfer window, they are now looking at the long game. TeamTalk notes that Saudi clubs “have drawn up a new strategy and want to agree a free-transfer deal ready for when his contract expires next year.” This would enable them to bring Salah to the Saudi Pro League without having to negotiate a transfer fee with Liverpool.

The Saudis are also well aware that Liverpool has yet to make significant progress in renewing Salah’s contract. With the clock ticking and no fresh terms on the table, the prospect of Salah leaving Anfield for free next summer becomes increasingly realistic.

Potential Suitors: Who Will Win the Race?

While Al-Ittihad remains interested, TeamTalk reveals that other Saudi giants, including Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, and Al-Ahli, are also keen to acquire Salah’s signature. Once the summer transfer window closes, the PIF is expected to focus fully on negotiations with the Liverpool star, offering him a lucrative contract that would rival Neymar’s deal with Al-Hilal.

Given that talks with Salah have been ongoing for two years, it seems inevitable that the Saudis will make a formal approach in the coming weeks. TeamTalk reports that “contacts with Salah have been going on constantly for two years now,” with the Saudis poised to present their official proposal soon.

What Does This Mean for Liverpool?

The prospect of losing Salah, even next summer, is a bitter pill for Liverpool fans to swallow. The Egyptian forward has been instrumental to the club’s success over the past few years, and replacing a player of his calibre will be no easy task. If the Saudis manage to secure a pre-contract agreement with Salah in January or February, it would give Liverpool ample time to plan for his departure, but that is little comfort to a fanbase that has seen their team struggle without key players in the past.

Photo: @LFC

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

As the saga surrounding Mo Salah’s potential move to Saudi Arabia unfolds, there is a growing sense of unease among Liverpool supporters. The prospect of losing one of the club’s most iconic players, even on a free transfer next summer, is a scenario that many fans dread. Salah’s contributions to Liverpool’s success cannot be overstated – his goals, assists, and leadership on and off the pitch have been pivotal in the Reds’ recent triumphs.

For Liverpool, the key concern lies in how they would replace Salah if he were to leave. The club’s transfer dealings in recent years have been hit-and-miss, and there is a genuine worry that finding a player of Salah’s calibre would be an uphill battle. The timing of the potential move also raises questions. If Salah were to leave next summer, it would coincide with what is expected to be a crucial period of transition for Liverpool, as they look to rebuild and challenge for major honours once again.

The allure of Saudi riches is undeniable, and it’s easy to see why Salah might be tempted by the offer on the table. However, from a fan’s perspective, the idea of losing a player of his stature to the Saudi Pro League feels like a significant blow to Liverpool’s standing in world football. As the negotiations continue, Liverpool supporters will be hoping that the club can find a way to keep their star man at Anfield for a few more years – or at the very least, secure a worthy replacement who can help fill the void that Salah would undoubtedly leave behind.