Ambitious clubs in Saudi Arabia’s Professional League will wait until the summer before launching a new bid to lure Mohamed Salah to the Middle East.The 31-year-old Liverpool talisman attracted interest from Saudi Arabia last summer, with Manchester United rejecting a £150m bid from Al Ittihad.
Although the Saudi Arabian champions failed to come back with a better offer, interest in Salah’s services has not waned. Salah, who has 18 months left on his current contract, will have to wait and see if any more offers are made in January. But Liverpool’s desire to keep their talisman is expected to be tested at the end of the season.
As things stand, Salah is not expected to leave Anfield in the winter transfer window, but clubs in Saudi Arabia “won’t stop” until they secure the Egyptian forward’s signature, according to a new report from Sky Sports . The Premier League leaders are unlikely to approve a mid-season move for their talisman but could prevent major bids for the player in the summer of 2024 just 12 months away. .
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said in September that a blockbuster move next summer could suit all three parties as Al Ittihad are believed to be planning a huge £200m bid for his services striker before the Saudi transfer deadline. He previously told talkSPORT: “Before you knew it, his contract was up. I think the opinion of most Liverpool fans is that if he leaves now there is no chance of them keeping him for next season or signing someone else.
“I think all the parties will be next summer. Liverpool will receive another big transfer fee and have Salah this season which could lead to more success for him. “Liverpool will replace someone in 12 months if they have one. It’s difficult to replace a player at this level. You have to spend money to improve other positions. Big players come and go and sometimes you just have to move on.”
