Reliable press reports indicate that Al-Ittihad Saudi Football Club, a leading force in the Saudi Professional League, has renewed its efforts to acquire the services of Egyptian star Mohamed Salah, the Liverpool FC icon, during the upcoming summer transfer window. This move comes as part of the club's ambitious plans to bolster its squad with a high-profile international signing, fulfilling the demands of the new era and the aspirations of its fans.
Historical background and context of negotiations
This isn't the first time Mohamed Salah's name has been linked to a move to Al-Ittihad. In the summer of 2023, the Saudi club made a serious attempt to sign the player, submitting a massive offer estimated at over £150 million. However, the offer was rejected by Liverpool's management and then-manager Jürgen Klopp, who insisted on keeping his star player. Now, with only one year remaining on Salah's contract with Liverpool (which expires in the summer of 2025) and Klopp's departure from the team, circumstances seem to have changed, reopening the possibility of a deal that would be the most expensive in the history of the Saudi league.
The importance of the deal and its expected impact
Mohamed Salah's move to the Saudi League will be more than just a sporting deal; it's a strategic event with multiple dimensions. Domestically, his joining Al-Ittihad, which already boasts stars like Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kanté, will create a formidable force, propelling the team back into serious contention for domestic and continental titles after a disappointing season. Regionally and internationally, Salah's presence, as the most famous Arab athlete of all time and one of the world's best players, will significantly boost the brand value of the Saudi League and attract millions of viewers and fans worldwide, particularly from the Middle East and North Africa, leading to unprecedented viewership and commercial revenue.
Liverpool's future and the challenges of this new phase
On the other hand, Salah's potential departure would mark the end of a golden era in Liverpool's history. The Egyptian player is the club's all-time top scorer in the Premier League era and one of its greatest legends. The Reds' management and new coach Arne Slott will face the challenge of filling the significant void he will leave, both technically and in terms of goalscoring. However, the substantial financial compensation expected from the deal could provide the club with considerable funds to rebuild the team and invest in new talents that align with the Dutch coach's vision for the future. The coming weeks will be crucial in monitoring the developments of these negotiations, which could reshape the landscape of Saudi and global football.
