Al-Ittihad have reportedly tabled a bid to sign 30-year-old Egyptian attacker Mohamed Salah from Liverpool this summer.
According to a report from Al Riyadiah, Al-Ittihad are in talks with Liverpool regarding a move for Mohamed Salah. Apparently, the Saudi Pro League outfit are prepared to offer £60 million to the Premier League club, and Salah could earn €90 million a season for two years.
The Egyptian international scored 30 goals across all competitions last season, and he is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world. Signing him this summer could prove to be quite a coup for the Saudi club.
Meanwhile, Liverpool struggled to secure Champions League qualification last season, and they will be looking to get back into the top four and compete for trophies next season. It seems highly unlikely that they will sanction the departure of one of their best players just a few days ahead of the new season with no replacements lined up.
Salah might eventually move to Saudi Arabia, but a move this summer seems extremely unlikely. Liverpool will not want to weaken their squad and risk the wrath of the fans by sanctioning his departure anytime soon. Furthermore, the player recently signed a contract with the club and Liverpool are under no pressure to sell him.
It would be quite surprising if the Egyptian decided to force a move away from the club, despite the €90 million-a-year contract offer. So Al-Ittihad are likely to face disappointment in their pursuit of the Egyptian. He will be hoping to win more trophies with Liverpool in the coming seasons and fire them back into the Champions League.
The 31-year-old is that the peak of his powers, and he will look to prove himself at the highest level. Moving to the Saudi Pro League at this stage of his career could prove to be a major mistake. Meanwhile, Liverpool midfielders Jordan Henderson and Fabinho have recently moved to Saudi Arabia.
Both players have regressed over the past year, and they are clearly on the decline. It makes sense for them to try out a new adventure where they will be able to earn a lucrative contract. In the case of Salah, he has a lot left to give at the highest level. So it makes sense for him to continue in the Premier League for the foreseeable future.