Liverpool’s talismanic forward Mohamed Salah is reportedly in negotiations to secure a move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad this summer, following a turbulent period at Anfield. The speculated transfer could see his wages soar from £400,000 to a staggering £1.2m per week, totalling £62.4m annually.
The December upheaval was triggered by Salah’s outburst after a 3-3 stalemate against Leeds United, where he felt unduly made the scapegoat for Liverpool’s lacklustre displays. The fallout strained his relationship with manager Arne Slot, leading to a temporary exclusion from the squad for their clash with Inter Milan, although peace was later restored.
Despite a warm reception from the Kop during their 2-0 victory over Brighton, whispers of Salah’s exit linger, with suggestions he will depart at the season’s end. Reports intimate that Salah and Slot have temporarily buried the hatchet, but the allure of Saudi Arabia beckons the 33-year-old.
French media outlet Foot Mercato asserts that talks with Al-Ittihad are underway, fuelled by the ‘December crisis’, which offered the Saudi outfit a chance to pounce.
In his recent return post-Africa Cup of Nations, Salah has managed two assists and a goal over five matches. His agent is purportedly pushing discussions forward with Al-Ittihad, a prospect Salah seems more open to than previously.
Former Reds winger Jermaine Pennant posits Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise as a potential successor, should Salah vacate this summer. Speaking to BetSelect, he noted the evident dip in Salah’s performances and believes Liverpool would benefit from reinvesting any fees acquired from his transfer.