Saudi club Al Ittihad reportedly have ‘concrete interest’ in Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, amid speculation that he could leave the club.
The 31-year-old penned a new three-year deal with the Reds last summer, which made him the highest-paid player in the club’s history, earning around £350,000 per week.
Salah has started both of Liverpool’s matches this season and remains a vital player in their squad, netting 30 goals in all competitions last term.
The Eygpt international’s agent, Ramy Abbas, wrote on August 7 following speculation: “If we considered leaving LFC this year, we wouldn’t have renewed the contract last summer. Mohamed remains committed to LFC.”
Nevertheless, as noted by TEAMtalk, reports now suggest that Salah ‘wants to leave’ Liverpool and is ‘open’ to joining a Saudi club this summer.
To lose Salah so close to the end of the transfer window would be a huge blow for Jurgen Klopp. With that in mind, it would most likely require a monumental bid to lure him away from Anfield.
READ MORE: Klopp beaming as new midfield target rejects two Euro giants to join Liverpool
Al Ittihad ramp up Salah pursuit
According to reputed transfer journalist David Ornstein, Al Ittihad are poised to make a move for Salah imminently.
On Twitter, Ornstein wrote: “Al-Ittihad have a concrete interest in signing Mohamed Salah from Liverpool.
“The Saudi Pro League club are making a renewed attempt to recruit the 31-year-old Egypt international forward. Unclear at this stage if a move will materialise.”
Al Ittihad have already signed Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante and are pushing to bring in more high-profile stars.
Liverpool have already sold Fabinho (£40m) to Al Ittihad so it is possible Salah could reunite with the midfielder at the Saudi club if they can agree on a transfer fee.
Ornstein does not state how much the Reds would demand for their star player. Their stance is that he is ‘not for sale’ but a mega-money offer could change their tune.
Transfermarkt value Salah at approximately £65m, but it’s likely Al Ittihad would have to stump up a much higher fee than that if they want to break Liverpool’s resolve.
Interestingly, reports suggest that Liverpool have already lined up two replacement options should Salah make the switch to Saudi. Those are Juventus winger Federico Chiesa and Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane.
Salah is definitely a player for Liverpool fans to keep an eye on for the remainder of the window. The Reds may be desperate to keep the Egyptian, but with him being open to a move away from Anfield, a departure isn’t completely out of the question.
READ MORE: Liverpool transfers: Signings number four and five done as Klopp seals deal for highly-rated Leicester midfielder
