Al-Ittihad have initiated contact to sign Mohamed Salah from Liverpool as a replacement for Karim Benzema.
That’s according to Foot Mercato. The website reports that Salah remains on the exit ramp at Liverpool following the ‘December crisis’.
That fallout has subsided, but the drama left its mark and Al-Ittihad are ready to capitalise on it. The Saudi Arabian club have already begun negotiations with the Egyptian.
Salah has been a target for Saudi Arabia for some time, given he’s one of the best Muslim players in world football. He was considered untouchable at Liverpool up to last season, and he preferred to stay at Anfield.
But Liverpool’s poor season and his declining performances have changed the situation dramatically. His major clash with the management in December, in which he publicly fired at Arne Slot, opened the door to an exit.
Liverpool claims growing
While publicly that spat has been brushed aside, Salah is allowing his agent to hold negotiations with Al-Ittihad. Unlike last year, he’s much more open to a move to Saudi Arabia. In fact, it could be a move that can satisfy all parties.
Liverpool would receive a transfer fee, and Salah would be the driving force behind the decision. Al-Ittihad also secure a replacement for Karim Benzema, who left for Al-Hilal. They also risk losing Moussa Diaby, who is on Inter Milan’s radar.
The Saudi club needs to strengthen their squad to continue competing at the highest level. Salah could the big arrival, in what would be a long-awaited coup. Talks are already underway, and this is now at least the second source to say so.