Saudi’s Al-Ittihad Club (Jeddah) is currently in advanced negotiations with Liverpool to secure the signing of Egyptian star Mohamed Salah during the ongoing summer transfer window.
According to media sources, Salah initially declined the notion of playing in the Saudi League, despite receiving calls and inquiries about the potential deal. However, as the transfer process progressed, he began to seriously contemplate the possibility of joining Al-Ittihad Club.
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Primary focus
Salah received a substantial offer from the Al-Ittihad last week. Despite this, the player’s primary focus remains on Liverpool. He aims to excel by scoring goals in the first two rounds of the Premiership. Also, he is prepping to compete for the prestigious Golden Shoe award for the fourth time in his career.
$108 million
According to press sources, Al-Ittihad has significantly increased its financial offer to Salah, reaching nearly five times his current earnings at Liverpool. This substantial increase has prompted Salah to seriously consider accepting the offer.
Liverpool FC has demonstrated considerable flexibility by accepting the latest offer from Al-Ittihad, which is estimated at €100 million ($108 million). However, German coach Jürgen Klopp remains cautious and reserved regarding the potential sale.
Evaluating the offer
As per media reports, Salah is carefully assessing and contemplating the offer, showcasing a willingness to engage in discussions despite his initial rejection. This development has heightened anticipation among the Saudi public, who eagerly await his decision before the closure of the transfer market.
Heightened anticipation
The international press and Saudi are closely monitoring Salah’s transfer deal to Al-Ittihad during this period. Several Saudi reports indicated that the player and his English club have reached an agreement on the deal, and it is now a matter of time before its official announcement.
Significant shift
The departure of Salah from the Premier League will reflect a significant shift for the Saudi Professional League (SPL), which has witnessed a remarkable influx of top-tier players from various parts of the globe this summer. Notable names such as Neymar da Silva, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, and Riyad Mahrez have joined the league, further enhancing its profile and competitiveness.
Acquiring prominent teams
By acquiring four prominent teams in Saudi Arabia, including Al-Ittihad, the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has secured significant financial resources. This newfound financial strength empowers Saudi Arabia to attract and entice top-tier players from across the globe. With the goal of becoming one of the top leagues worldwide, the Saudi League is driven by aspirations to achieve premier status. The investments made in the league are specifically aimed at propelling it closer to this goal.
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