Liverpool faced the temptation of a significant offer in the summer when Al-Ittihad bid £150 million for Mohamed Salah, especially after the sales of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson to Saudi Arabian clubs for a combined £52 million. However, the club firmly rejected the offer, with manager Jürgen Klopp emphasizing Salah’s indispensable role in the team. Klopp went as far as stating that any bid from Saudi Arabia would receive a resounding “no” from Liverpool. This was a bold stance, considering the substantial sums spent during the transfer window, but Salah’s outstanding performance at the start of the season has validated his manager’s unwavering position.
Despite the colossal sum offered, it’s crucial to note that Salah is 31 years old and has two years remaining on his current contract. Liverpool’s decision to retain him was the right one. Firstly, the offer arrived too late in the transfer window for Liverpool to secure a suitable replacement. Moreover, Salah’s form this season has been exceptional, contributing either by scoring or assisting in each of Liverpool’s five league matches. He has scored twice, against Aston Villa and Bournemouth, and provided four assists, a performance unmatched by any other player in the league. Salah ranks 10th in the division for key passes (12) and leads in creating significant goal-scoring opportunities (six).
Despite the wealth of attacking options at Klopp’s disposal, Salah remains an irreplaceable figure when fit. Players like Darwin Núñez, Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota, and Luis Díaz are competing for the two remaining positions in Liverpool’s forward line. Salah has directly contributed to half of Liverpool’s 12 goals this season, establishing himself as the team’s most crucial attacker, if not their most important player, as Klopp emphasized when he described him as “essential to everything we do.” While debates may arise about who should lead the line or occupy the left-wing position, one thing is certain: Salah is not in danger of being dropped anytime soon.
Liverpool’s resolute decision to turn down a £150 million bid for a player in his 30s speaks volumes about Salah’s significance to the team. His on-field performances continue to validate the faith placed in him. If Liverpool intends to challenge Manchester City for the title, retaining Salah is imperative.