Liverpool Resolute in Rejecting Offers for Mohamed Salah

Liverpool are determined to rebuff any further approaches from Al-Ittihad for Mohamed Salah, despite the Saudi Pro League’s offer of a £150 million deal. Mike Gordon, president of owners Fenway Sports Group, has declared the matter closed as far as the club is concerned. However, with the Pro League’s transfer window open until Thursday, there is still the potential for Al-Ittihad to return with an improved bid.

Manager Jurgen Klopp has expressed his concern about the discrepancy between European and Saudi transfer windows, noting that “nobody (in Europe) can react any more”. Salah’s agent, Ramy Abbas, had previously stated that the player was committed to Liverpool when Saudi interest first arose last month. However, this week’s developments look like the start of a long goodbye for Salah, who will be 32 next summer and in the final year of his £350,000-a-week contract.

Salah’s Commitment to Liverpool

Despite the speculation surrounding Salah’s future, Klopp has stated that he has seen “absolutely nothing” to worry about and that Salah is “super-committed”. The Egyptian has scored 138 goals in 221 Premier League appearances since joining Liverpool in 2017, and his focus has never been in doubt. Klopp also believes fellow forward Darwin Nunez has a renewed drive following his match-winning two-goal appearance off the bench at Newcastle last week.

“Massive, massive, that’s clear. That’s what he wants, what we want,” Klopp said of the effect it would have on the Uruguay international. Nunez started the season as fifth-choice forward but has since made a huge impact.

Liverpool vs Aston Villa

The speculation surrounding Salah has undoubtedly loomed large over preparations for Sunday’s visit of Aston Villa. Villa have impressed under Unai Emery this season and have won four successive matches in all competitions. Klopp has described them as a “machine” and believes Liverpool will have to play a top game to get something out of it.

“It’s a massive game, no doubt about it. Yeah, we have to play a top game to get something out of it. After that it is the international break, so we could make a good start (and) turn it into a really good start to the season result-wise. But there are a massive 115 minutes in between now and then.”

Conclusion

Liverpool are determined to keep hold of Mohamed Salah despite Al-Ittihad’s offer of £150 million. Manager Jurgen Klopp has expressed his concern about the discrepancy between European and Saudi transfer windows and believes Salah is still committed to Liverpool. With Aston Villa up next on Sunday, Liverpool will have to play a top game if they are to get something out of it.