As more and more top players follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo and join clubs in Saudi Arabia, it is becoming impossible to ignore the rumours about Saudi teams preparing a bid for Mohamed Salah.
However, Liverpool fans shouldn’t be worried about a potential Saudi transfer for Salah, at least not yet. Even though top players like Kareem Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Ruben Neves have joined Saudi Arabian clubs, Salah has shown no indication he is interested in any such transfer. Let’s see
Temptation Awaits
We cannot be sure the offers put forth won’t tempt him. After all, Saudi clubs like Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad have shown they are prepared to be super generous. Similar to top online casinos that shower players with a myriad of bonuses and promotions, Saudi football teams know how to entice world-class stars. And we have yet to see a player say no to lucrative casino promotions. It is probably equally difficult for footballers to ignore Arabia’s riches.
That said, we still feel Salah will stay in Liverpool and see out his contract. Here’s why.
Won’t Leave While in his Prime
Of all the top players that have joined Saudi clubs, only a handful are in their prime. Benzema, Kante, and Koulibaly are arguably the best in their positions in the world. However, they are also on the wrong side of 30 and have probably gone to Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad for that one large paycheck before they hang their boots.
Sure, Ruben Neves still has his best years ahead of him. However, he is nowhere near the level Salah is playing at, and there’s no comparing the two. In fact, Salah won’t be doing himself any favours by opting for a big payday and an easier challenge in the Saudi Pro League. The only way to make the most of his ability and talent is to play at the top level for at least a year or two and try to get his name in Liverpool’s history.
Still Has a Lot to Prove
Much has been said and written about Liverpool missing out on the UEFA Champions League. However, the lack of Champions League football next season won’t be a reason for Salah to leave Anfield. Klopp confirmed that. He said Salah’s ‘no excuses’ social media post after Liverpool finished the season fifth would only spur the Egyptian winger to play better next season.
Moreover, Liverpool not playing Champions League games would allow the Reds to focus on the Premier League and challenge Manchester City in the domestic championship. The chance to win the Europa League for the first time in his career will be one more reason for Salah to stay put.
Won’t Make Mane’s Mistake
As soon as Sadio Mane left Liverpool to join Bayern Munich, reports emerged saying the forward was missing Liverpool. And why wouldn’t he? The Reds have one of the best squads in Europe, a top manager, and play super-competitive matches in packed-full stadiums week in and week out. He won’t get that in Saudi Arabia, that’s for sure.
