Al Ittihad, the reigning champions of the Saudi Pro League, have reportedly launched a daring attempt to acquire Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah, tabling an astounding £215 million ($270 million) offer, a sum that could potentially shatter world transfer records, according to The Sun.
The British tabloid, while not revealing the source of this news, disclosed that Al Ittihad’s officials journeyed to the United Kingdom as part of their latest pursuit to secure the 31-year-old Egyptian international. Their mission is to secure Salah before the Saudi transfer window concludes later this week.
Intriguingly, The Sun also reported that Salah, one of the most high-profile Arab footballers globally, has been enticed with a jaw-dropping salary offer of £2.45 million per week, setting a new benchmark in Saudi Pro League history.
Furthermore, it’s stated that Salah’s incentives don’t end there. He’s allegedly been offered a substantial share of shirt sales, a win bonus of £55,000, and the role of ambassador for at least three major Saudi companies throughout his contract duration.
As of now, Liverpool FC has not provided any official response or comment regarding this remarkable offer.
This news follows Al Ittihad’s previous bid, just last week, offering $189.6 million for Salah, which Liverpool promptly declined. In the aftermath of Liverpool’s 3-0 triumph over Aston Villa on Sunday, manager Jurgen Klopp categorically stated that Salah is not for sale at any price.
Liverpool full-back Andy Robertson echoed Klopp’s sentiment, asserting the squad’s confidence that Salah will remain with the club in the foreseeable future.
Salah, whose contract with Liverpool has two years left, has proven to be a prolific scorer since joining the club in June 2017, amassing 188 goals in 309 games.
Should Al Ittihad’s current endeavor fall short, there’s speculation they may return with another offer during the January transfer window. This story underscores the growing ambition of Saudi Arabian football and its commitment to attracting top talent.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has significantly invested in various sports, including golf, Formula One, and football. The country’s interest in global sports is part of its broader Vision 2030 reform agenda, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who also chairs the Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Nonetheless, these lavish investments have also drawn criticism, with concerns that they are an attempt to divert attention from Saudi Arabia’s contentious human rights record.
