Liverpool’s last-minute U-turn on Mohamed Salah transfer and the ‘problem’ it caused

Liverpool were inches away from Mohamed Salah leaving for Saudi Arabia last season, according to Saudi boss Turki Alalshikh.

The Anfield hero scored 25 goals and contributed 14 assists in his seventh season in red. However, there is a reality that he would not have suited up for Jurgen Klopp’s final campaign at Liverpool after agreeing to join Al-Ittihad from the Saudi Pro League.

While speculation over Salah’s future was rife last season, with the Saudi club offering £150m for his services, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the Egyptian has remained on Merseyside to continue his legacy.

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In an interview with MMA journalist Ariel Helwani on the MMA Hour, Turki Alalshikh, president of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia, was asked if Salah would play in the Saudi Pro League next season.

The 42-year-old then revealed how close the league was to landing the football superstar as he told Helwani: “I don’t have information (this year) but I have information last year. It was accepted, but Liverpool changed. their mind at the last second.

“He was accepted and I think that’s one of the problems he has this year with his team.” Alalshikh’s suggestion of a problem could be linked to Salah’s poor form since his return from injury in March, where he has scored just three goals in 10 league games during the Premier League fixture.

Despite his disappointing display, contract talks are planned with Salah’s contract expiring in the summer of 2025 as Liverpool hope to keep their talisman for the start of their new era, with Arne Slot set to succeed Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool agreeing to a fee of compensation with Feyenoord for the Services of the Dutchman.

The Reds are also expected to deal with the contract situations of Trent Alexander-Arnold and captain Virgil van Dijk, both of whose contracts also expire next summer. Meanwhile, they have already said goodbye to both Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara, who will leave the club on a free transfer this summer.

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