Liverpool are preparing for the possible departure of Mohamed Salah, after reports emerged that Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad are planning to make an astronomical offer for the Egyptian star.
According to TeamTalk, Karim Benzema's departure from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal on the final day of the transfer window has put Salah at the top of the Saudi club's wish list, which could leave Liverpool's owners, FSG, with a difficult decision to make.
Salah's future at Anfield has been in doubt since a public row with manager Arne Slott that forced the Egyptian to sit on the bench for three consecutive games in early December.
Although the two sides are said to have resolved their differences, questions remain about his status. Another cause for concern is his decline in form. Salah has scored just one goal for the Reds since November 1 last year.
According to reports from Saudi Arabia, Al-Ittihad have been monitoring Salah and are now ready to test Liverpool with an offer that would give the owners a serious reason to consider selling him.
With Salah entering the final year of his contract in the summer and turning 34 in July, the temptation to cash in on one of the Premier League's best players could be too great, the English outlet reports.
Journalists' opinions are divided
The Egyptian star's potential departure this summer has divided opinion in the media. Prominent journalist David Ornstein claims that the owners' intention has always been to keep Salah until his contract expires in the summer of 2027, when he would leave as a free agent. However, he himself recently admitted that this plan could change.
"Despite the recent uncertainty, the Egyptian striker is expected to play until the end of the season at Anfield. It is hoped that the situation will calm down by then and that he will complete his contract until its expiry in June 2027. However, if the problems continue, it is possible that an earlier departure could be considered," Ornstein wrote.
Salah doesn't want to be a backup?
One of the key factors will be game time, as informed journalist Graeme Bailey previously reported that Salah has no intention of becoming a reserve player at Anfield.
In October last year, Bailey suggested that Liverpool were already preparing for the "final chapter" with Salah and that the club had begun planning to bring in his replacement.
"They are already planning who will succeed him, whether it is next year or the year after that. His form is not the key. Even if he plays brilliantly, there is a possibility that he will leave next summer. I think the club will assess the situation regardless. Selling next summer could suit everyone," Bailey said.
The Reds have just spent almost €400m on Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, so in the summer they intend to make some sales to make other necessary purchases. /Telegraph/
