700 million package for Salah?
Saudi club working on the world’s most notable storm
08/24/2023, 8:13 p.m
Like hardly any other club in Europe, Liverpool FC is affected by the gigantic purchasing policy of the Saudi clubs. Three stars have already left the club. Another departure is imminent. With Mo Salah, the Al-Ittihad club wants to buy a dream storm.
Premier League giants Liverpool FC have already lost three stars to Saudi Arabia this summer. Roberto Firmino, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho have joined the Kingdom. Now the fourth could follow. And none other than superstar Mo Salah. According to Arab media reports, the club Al-Ittihad is ready to pay 100 million euros for the Egyptian. In addition, there should be an annual salary of 200 million euros, the contract should run for three years. Means: Al-Ittihad is ready to put together a 700 million euro package for the 31-year-old.
The club had already caused a stir in the past few weeks with the commitment of world footballer Karim Benzema. Should Salah and Liverpool succumb to the offer, Al-Ittihad would have perhaps the most notable forward in world football. In addition, Salah would meet his old teammate Fabinho. Other prominent players include French strategist N’Golo Kante and Portuguese left winger Jota.
Jürgen Klopp is not very happy about the poaching of the Saudis. The coach sees no end in sight to the investments. “The financial conditions in this league are absolutely exceptional,” he said in an interview with TV broadcaster Sport1. He then expressed concern about the unbridled buying policy of the Kingdom clubs: “The worst part is that the transfer window in Saudi Arabia is three weeks longer. UEFA or FIFA have to find a solution for that.” Means: If a club from Europe gives up a player after the end of the local transfer window, no replacement could be bought.
Critics say that Saudi Arabia also wants to improve its image by investing in professional football and is doing sports washing. “As far as the human rights situation is concerned, it’s super difficult to comment and not burn your mouth, no matter which direction,” Klopp said evasively. But he hopes for a positive effect: “If more and more players come there and more and more reports are made, we will understand more what is important and things will change more for the better. I’m actually convinced of that.”