Saudi Arabia minister makes Mo Salah admission

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Wednesday Jul 10, 2024. 15:00

A Saudi Arabian government official has confirmed that there was an attempt to lure Liverpool FC winger Mohamed Salah to the Asian country.

The Egyptian superstar was the subject of interest from the Saudi Pro League 12 months ago, but Liverpool were unwilling to sell their star player despite a $192 million transfer offer.

Saudi sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal discussed former Pro League champions Al-Ittihad’s pursuit of Salah who is one of the best players in Europe.

“We received a statement from the club that there is a desire to sign Mohamed Salah. The amount was astronomical of course,” Turki Al Faisal said on Reuters.

“The deal was for a one-year loan. Salah’s contract was valid (with Liverpool), and therefore we cannot negotiate with him without returning to the club.

“We inquired through the (Sports Recruitment) program with the club itself whether there is a desire to dispense with Mohamed Salah and they told us no… and this closed the matter decisively because the club does not want to let him go.”

Salah has one season left on his contract with Liverpool and it remains to be seen whether the 32-year-old will move to Saudi Arabia in the future.