The Saudi League didn’t face many problems signing world-class talents with their astounding plans to bring domestic soccer to a global level. Their project attracted the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar without much effort. There was also an attempt to sign Mohamed Salah by a Saudi PIF-backed team, though it was so near, yet so far!
Mohamed Salah’s outstanding form has helped Egypt retain the top position in their group. However, an early kickoff against the Premier League leaders, Manchester City, is a much-anticipated match for the Reds. But they could have lost their Pharaoh in the summer transfer window!
Saudi club’s despair of being too late to sign Mohamed Salah
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Salah caught the sudden attention of Al Ittihad, who desperately pushed for the signing until the deadline day. However, as per the club’s president, the financial hurdles faded the deal away. It is not shocking, as they have spent just short of a billion in the summer transfer market. Al Ittihad president Anmar Al Hailae gives further insight in an interview.
The president shed further light on the matter, saying, “The transfers of Mohamed Salah and Marquinhos were not finalized because of the budget of the recruitment committee. When we arrived in the final negotiations with Mohamed Salah, they told us that we had no budget.”
Not just Salah but some more players rejected the Saudi soccer project. Angel di Maria, Lionel Messi, Victor Osimhen, and Kylian Mbappe are some names to snub lucrative deals. However, they continue to gather pace to bring world-class prospects!
🎙️Anmar Al Hailae :
« Les transferts de Mohamed Salah et Marquinhos n'ont pas été finalisé à cause du budget du comité de recrutement ! »
« Quand on est arrivé dans les négociations finales avec Mohamed Salah, ils nous ont dit que nous avions pas de budget »
🤯🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/CcVO7PMOlV
— SPL 🇸🇦 (@ActuSPL) November 22, 2023
However, Liverpool fans will rejoice as the Egyptian king has been on a spectacular form this season. The Egyptian international has scored ten goals and provided four assists in just 12 Premier League games into the season. Mohamed Salah, though, would need to regain his fitness as he faces the treble winners.
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Top-form Salah gets ready for tough fixture ahead
With the international break ending, Liverpool will need their players to regain their fitness and motivation to face against Erling Haaland and Co. this Saturday afternoon at Etihad Stadium. Liverpool fans are much anticipated about the match as their team hasn’t won on City’s ground since 2015. Nonetheless, a possible injury to Haaland and an injured Kevin De Bruyne can assist the team clinch a victory after eight years at Etihad Stadium in the Premier League.
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With newfound motivation after the recent summer signings and citing City’s draw against Chelsea, Jurgen Klopp and co. would keep no stone unturned in handing City their 3rd loss of the season. Any take? Share your thoughts in the comments below.