24 August 2023 , 14:00
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Mohamed Salah will be offered the opportunity to become the world’s highest paid player - if Al Ittihad can persuade him to leave Liverpool.
The Saudi Arabian club are ready to offer the Egyptian superstar a deal that would eclipse the £173million-per-year salary of Cristian Ronaldo at Al-Nassr. Liverpool have no plans to sell their forward, who remains central to their plans this season, while his agent has insisted he's going nowhere this year too.
The Reds have already seen several star players depart to the Middle East this summer. Club captain Jordan Henderson joined Al-Ettifaq while Fabinho was signed by Al-Ittihad, who want to reunite the Brazilian with Salah for this upcoming campaign.
Furthermore, Roberto Firmino departed Anfield as a free agent and joined Al-Ahli, while former Reds star Sadio Mane joined Ronaldo at Al-Nassr following one unsuccessful season with Bayern Munich.
As outlined by Relevo, Al-Ittihad – who are one of four Saudi clubs backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) – have, it's claimed, already met with Salah’s entourage in Dubai to outline their offer, informing that Salah would become the world’s best paid player, with his salary surpassing that of Ronaldo.
Klopp's dream Liverpool line up as last-gasp January transfers rejected
It's clamed that Salah is open to the move; that is outlined by his entourage reportedly meeting in the first place but also Salah’s strong religious beliefs making him open to a move to the Middle East.
Alongside their addition of Fabinho this summer, Al-Ittihad have also signed Ballon d’Or holder Karim Benzema, and a partnership with Salah would be a mouth-watering one - although the Frenchman has had issues with new boss Nuno Espirito Santo at the current league champions. The club have also secured the signing of N’Golo Kante from Chelsea.
Have Your Say! Should Liverpool reject bids for Salah at all costs? Tell us what you think here.
Salah's entourage met with Al-Ittihad representatives in Dubai (Getty Images)Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has already spoken of his concern about the Saudi transfer window closing on September 20, three weeks later than its European counterparts.
"One of the worst things, if I'm not mistaken, is that the Saudi Arabian market lasts three more weeks. UEFA or FIFA have to remedy this," the coach recently said.
One of the central pillars to the Al-Ittihad investment is that Saudi Arabia believe the side can win this year’s Club World Cup, which will take place in the nation. As champions of the nation, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side will compete in this year’s version.
Other sides to compete in the tournament include Manchester City, Leon of Mexico, Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds, Al Ahly from Egypt, New Zealand’s Auckland City and the winner of the South American Copa Libertadores championship.